Singapore to extend eIACS to holders of Chinese passports

Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said in a statement that it will extend the enhanced immigration automated clearance system service – known as eIACS – to eligible holders of Chinese passports from Nov 16.

新加坡移民与关卡局近日在发布会上声明，他们从11月16日起将会扩大并加强自助通关服务系统，来使持有中国大陆护照的居民享有更多权益。

The authority said holders of Chinese passports aged 6 and above who are holding a valid five-year or longer Multiple Journey Visas issued by Singapore and have visited the nation at least three times in the preceding 12 months, are eligible to enroll for the automated service free of charge.

当局公告表示，凡是持有5年及以上新加坡多次往返签证的6岁以上中国公民，并在过去12个月到访新加坡至少3次，即可向移民与关卡局免费注册，享受该服务。

The authority said it will provide greater travel convenience for Chinese visitors and facilitate trade, business and tourism links between Singapore and China.

移民与关卡局表示，此举将进一步为中国游客赴新提供更多便利，并也将进一步拉动中新两国的商务交流、贸易往来以及旅游业的发展。

Earlier this year, the authority said eligible Chinese nationals who travel to Singapore from June can be granted multiple journey visas valid for a maximum of 10 years.

今年年初，该部门曾表示，在一月份到新加坡旅行的中国公民持有新加坡多次往返签证的有效期可以延长到10年。

The same facility will also be extended to spouses and children under the age of 21, if the main applicant is eligible. When issuing the new policy, the authority added that eligible applicants will also be able to use the automated immigration clearance at Singapore's checkpoints.

这次的相关政策也会使得配偶和低于21岁的子女从中受益，但是这要在主申请人符合要求情况下才行。当这个新政策发布之后，相关部门由加以补充：即符合要求的申请者同时也可以在新加坡检查关卡处享有自助移民服务。