Singapore sees increase in ‘sham marriages’ with foreign women, sparks concern

NEW DELHI: Singapore authorities have raised concerns over a sharp increase in “sham marriages” or “marriages of convenience“, predominantly between Singaporean men and foreign women, often facilitated by syndicates, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
The ICA reported 32 cases of sham marriages between January and September 2024, a stark rise compared to just four during the same period in 2023. These arrangements typically involve foreign women paying Singaporean men to marry them, enabling the women to secure permits to stay or work in the country, The Straits Times reported.
Inspector Mark Chai, deputy officer-in-charge of ICA’s intelligence division, warned that such marriages pose social risks in Singapore’s multi-ethnic society. “The idea of such marriages is often spread through word of mouth. And to some Singaporean men, it can be seen as easy money,” he said.
However, he stressed that these arrangements are illegal and said, “ICA is stepping up enforcement efforts to bust such arrangements.”
According to The Straits Times report, One recent case involved a 33-year-old Singaporean man living in a flat in Bukit Batok, who had been married to a Vietnamese woman for several years, according to marriage documents. However, ICA officers received a tip-off that it was a sham marriage.
ICA officers on December 11 raided the flat and found no evidence of a married couple living there. There were no women’s clothes, and the man’s mother told officers she was unaware of her son’s marriage.
When questioned, the man claimed his wife lived with him and said her clothes were stored elsewhere. He was subsequently arrested for allegedly making false declarations in applications for immigration facilities.
Superintendent Goh Wee Kiat, senior assistant director at ICA’s intelligence division, highlighted that public tip-offs often help uncover such cases. He noted that there are telltale signs of sham marriages, such as family members being unaware of the union or spouses living separately.
In one instance, a Singaporean man falsely claimed his “wife” lived with him, but investigations revealed her belongings were stored elsewhere. “The couple can try to hide the fact that their union is a marriage of convenience, but there are telltale signs that our officers are able to spot,” Goh said.
Convictions for participating in sham marriages can result in up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to SGD 10,000, or both. In June 2024, 13 individuals – seven Singaporean men and six Vietnamese women – were charged for their alleged involvement in such arrangements.
Authorities have urged the public to report suspected cases, assuring that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.