An Indian man, 26-year-old Riken Kanojiya, has been formally charged in Singapore for allegedly harbouring 13 individuals who overstayed their immigration permits. The charges were announced by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on May 21, following significant investigative actions. Kanojiya, along with two Singaporean nationals, is accused of committing offences related to immigration laws.

According to the ICA, Kanojiya provided accommodation to these 13 Indian nationals, whose ages range from 19 to 44, without ensuring they possessed valid passes to remain legally in Singapore. This supervision reportedly took place in a flat where all individuals were found residing unlawfully following the expiration of their visit passes.

The authorities conducted a raid on March 3, resulting in the discovery of the 13 individuals overstaying in the country. Investigations revealed that Kanojiya had allegedly allowed them to stay for periods extending from December 2025 to March 2026, during which he failed to conduct due diligence checks.

Additional Charges Against Singaporean Nationals

In tandem with Riken’s charges, the ICA has also pursued legal action against Singaporeans Song Yi Da and Suba Priyadarshini for their involvement in similar immigration violations. Song, a 37-year-old of Chinese descent, reportedly employed Rajappa Raju, aged 39, who lacked a valid work permit.

Song’s actions are said to have violated Singapore’s strict immigration laws, leading to Raju’s deportation and a ban on his re-entry into the country. Such violations can have severe legal repercussions, both for the employers and the foreign nationals involved.

Similarly, Suba Priyadarshini, 32, is facing charges for employing Muniyan Selvaraj Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian national, who overstayed in Singapore after his Short-Term Visit Pass expired on February 24, 2025. Like Raju, Prakash has been deported and barred from returning to Singapore.

Potential Penalties for Immigration Offences

The consequences of employing overstayers or illegal immigrants in Singapore are serious. Under current law, individuals found guilty of such practices can face imprisonment for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years, alongside fines of up to SGD 6,000. The penalties are particularly stringent to deter the exploitation of immigration laws.

Furthermore, those found guilty of knowingly or recklessly harbouring overstayers also face similar penalties. If negligence is proven, the offender may be subjected to a fine of up to SGD 6,000 or a prison term of up to 12 months, or both. These measures underscore Singapore’s commitment to maintaining strict immigration controls.

The ICA’s ongoing investigations into these cases highlight the agency’s dedication to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring compliance among employers and individuals alike. The rigorous enforcement of such laws is essential to safeguard the integrity of Singapore’s immigration system.

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