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Singapore Authorities Alarmed by Rise in Sham Marriages

Singapore

Singapore: Authorities in Singapore have expressed growing concern over the significant increase in sham marriages, also known as marriages of convenience, involving foreign women and Singaporean men.

These fraudulent unions are often orchestrated by syndicates and have potential implications for the country’s social fabric.

Sharp Rise in Cases

Between January and September 2024, 32 cases of sham marriages were reported, a sharp rise compared to just four cases during the same period in 2023, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

These marriages typically involve foreign women paying Singaporean men to formalize unions that grant them permits to stay or work in the country.

How Sham Marriages Work

A marriage of convenience occurs when two individuals tie the knot solely to gain immigration advantages. Inspector Mark Chai, deputy officer-in-charge of ICA’s intelligence division, revealed that these arrangements are often spread through word of mouth and may appear as an easy source of money for Singaporean men.

“The rise in these cases is concerning because it can lead to social issues in Singapore's multi-ethnic society,” Chai warned, adding that the ICA is intensifying enforcement efforts to combat this illegal practice.

Public Tip-Offs Play a Key Role

Superintendent Goh Wee Kiat, senior assistant director at ICA’s intelligence division, stated that public tip-offs have been instrumental in uncovering such cases. Goh cited examples where telltale signs betrayed the fraudulent nature of these unions, such as families being unaware of the marriages or couples living separately despite claiming to reside together.

In one case, a Singaporean man falsely declared that his Vietnamese "wife" lived with him, but evidence showed she resided elsewhere. The man’s mother, unaware of the marriage, provided testimony that helped unravel the arrangement.

Legal Consequences

Engaging in a sham marriage is a serious offense in Singapore. Convicted individuals face up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to SGD 10,000, or both. In June 2024, 13 individuals, including six Vietnamese women and seven Singaporean men, were charged for their alleged involvement in such a syndicate.

ICA Steps Up Enforcement

The ICA has pledged to intensify investigations and enforcement actions against sham marriages, urging the public to report suspected cases.

Superintendent Goh reassured that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.

Underlying Drivers

The rise in cases is attributed to foreign nationals seeking to extend their stay or work permits in Singapore. The Straits Times reported that syndicates often exploit vulnerable individuals to facilitate these illegal arrangements. A Call to Action Authorities are calling for greater public awareness to deter such practices.

"Sham marriages may seem like a quick solution for some, but they are illegal and pose risks to the community," Chai emphasized. The Singapore government’s stringent measures reflect its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the country’s immigration policies and social harmony.

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