S'pore To Introduce Bioscreen System Progressively At Checkpoints Beginning Wednesday

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, April 18 (Bernama) -- Beginning Wednesday, Singapore will introduce the BioScreen system progressively at the passenger halls of sea and land checkpoints, followed by the air checkpoint as a lead-up to full implementation in the months ahead. In a statement Monday, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said all foreign visitors to Singapore would be required to have their thumbprint scanned, each time they arrive and depart the island republic. In the initial phase at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, the BioScreen system will be implemented at the manned counters within the passenger halls. Bioscreen clearance for those travelling by motorcycles, cars and lorries will be implemented at a later date. The ICA noted that a successful trial of the BioScreen system at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal was carried out last year. Meanwhile, Singapore citizens and residents who use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) or automated clearance lanes for departure and arrival will not be affected by the BioScreen implementation. Eligible Singaporeans and residents are encouraged to use these automated lanes for immigration clearance. "Those who use the manned counters at our checkpoints will be required to provide their thumbprints via the BioScreen system," said the ICA. With the implementation of BioScreen, travellers may experience slightly longer immigration clearance times at the checkpoints. The ICA will monitor the implementation of BioScreen closely, and will fine-tune and adjust the implementation plans, where necessary. "Our officers will assist and advise travellers accordingly. We seek the cooperation of all travellers in keeping Singapore safe and secure," it said. The new BioScreen system will enable the ICA to strengthen its verification of traveller identity. -- BERNAMA