The process of applying for or renewing a passport in Singapore has been made much easier through a new web portal MyICA, announced the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) rolled out MyICA last month which is currently in its beta testing stage. Users can log on to the portal with their SingPass to apply for a passport, identity card or address changes.
The portal will allow citizens access to a full range of e-services with a single login including applications for APEC Business Travel cards as well as certified true copies of birth and death certificates and change of address.
ICA said that the remaining e-services will be progressively made available on the portal by the second half of this year.
ICA current digital push is to make its services more convenient, revealed K Shanmugam, Home Affairs Minister of Singapore in parliament while giving his ministry’s addendum to the President’s address.
Various ministries of the Singapore government are currently issuing their addenda-statements that spell out the ministries’ priorities and plans.
“We will continue to invest heavily in our people. Home Team officers will have more training opportunities to keep abreast of digital transformation and the changing operational environment,” said Shanmugam.
A new one-stop portal, called Police Hub, will allow the public to lodge reports, provide feedback and check on transactions.
Home Team of Singapore is currently making a strong push in digital transformation and robotics to enhance its operational capabilities and productivity. The digital transformation includes equipping the police with specialised smartphones, digitising the police’s investigation process and other measures.
ICA will also use more biometric solutions to tighten border security, while facilitating more efficient immigration clearance through the use of automated clearance systems.