Singapore eases visa rules for visitors

Singapore eases visa rules for visitors
Multiple-journey visas for those from China, India and elsewhere among moves to help tourists, businessmen, officials
By Edna Koh

FINANCE CORRESPONDENT

SINGAPORE is opening its doors wider to visitors from China, India and other countries, by relaxing visa requirements for tourists, businessmen and government officials.

Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained the change last night by saying that people are the foundation of any economic partnership between two countries.

Easing visa and employment rules was an 'important but delicate task', he told Chinese businessmen at a gala dinner that was part of the six-day Global conference.

'We must minimise inconveniences and formalities for businessmen and tourists, and at the same time address our security and other concerns,' he said.

A new scheme called Entrepass, launched yesterday, allows a foreigner to set up shop in Singapore based on the merits of his business plan, rather than his educational qualifications or salary.

From December, Singapore will also make it easier for businessmen from countries such as China, India, Vietnam and Cambodia to get long-term multiple-journey visas. These do away with having to apply for a visa for each subsequent visit here.

With the greater convenience, it is hoped more foreigners will make Singapore their regional business base.

To be considered for a multiple-journey visa that is valid for up to five years, an applicant need only furnish a letter of introduction from a government agency or a business associate in Singapore, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

It will also accept letters of introduction from reputable Chinese companies.

China tourists who come to Singapore each year can also look forward to a larger number of China-based travel agents through which they can submit their visa applications.

There are now only three travel agents, and Singapore plans to expand significantly the number of such firms it works with.

The more relaxed immigration policies support Singapore's desire to encourage more Chinese businessmen to invest in Singapore, and vice versa.

At Global Entrepolis yesterday, 16 memoranda of understanding were signed. Of these, 10 were by Chinese companies that will invest an initial sum of more than $13 million, and employ at least 125 people in Singapore.