Singapore, known for its efficient government services, extends its commitment to the well-being of its citizens, even to the tiniest members of the community – newborns. In August 2019, the Government introduced a heartwarming initiative as part of the marriage and parenthood package. Singapore Citizens born on or after 1 January 2020 can now enjoy the first passport application fee waiver if the application is submitted before their first birthday. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know to get a newborn passport in Singapore.
Fee Waiver for Newborn Citizens
Welcoming a new citizen into the world is a special moment, and Singaporean parents can now celebrate it with a meaningful gesture from the government. The first passport application fee will be waived for Singapore Citizens born on or after 1 January 2020 if the application is submitted before their first birthday. This benevolent step aims to ease the financial burden on parents during this joyous period and promote early passport application.
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Revised Eligibility Criteria
To extend the fee waiver benefit to more families, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has reviewed the eligibility criteria. Starting 1 January 2020, all applications submitted before the child’s first birthday will be eligible for the fee waiver. This policy change supports newborns and extends to Singapore Citizens born in 2019, applying for their first passport in 2020. The fee waiver applies exclusively to online applications submitted through the ICA website.
Streamlined Notification Process
It is crucial to keep parents informed about their child’s eligibility for the fee waiver. From 15 October 2019, parents receiving their child’s birth certificate from the hospital or at the ICA Building will be notified about the revised eligibility criteria. Starting 1 January 2020, parents with eligible children will receive an electronic notification via MyICA, making the application process seamless. Parents can access the passport application process without paying the fee by clicking on the notification. Alternatively, they can apply through ICA’s passport e-Service and receive an electronic notification if their child is eligible.
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Hassle-Free Passport Collection
Starting 1 January 2020, collecting passports for children below six years old has become more convenient. Parents can schedule an appointment to collect their child’s passport at the ICA Building after completing the application process and receiving an email notification or pink card from ICA.
Physical presence during collection remains mandatory for children aged six and above as their biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints and iris images, are enrolled at that time. This ensures a smooth experience when using automated lanes for immigration clearance at checkpoints.
For detailed information on the first passport application fee waiver and the application process, visit the ICA website at www.ica.gov.sg. As Singapore prioritises its citizens’ well-being, this initiative offers a heartwarming start to a newborn’s journey as a Singaporean citizen.
