Is entry ban lifted after refusal to entry

Last activity 10 April 2023 by ksriad

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ksriadNew member25 February 2023 10:29:01

Hi,

Last year (May 2022) while entering Singapore (first-time entry) with an approved entry visa, my 13-year-old son was refused entry as he was vaccinated as per the vaccine available to 5-17-year-olds in India. Singapore did not recognize this vaccine Corbevax and the airline said we could travel with a negative RT-PCR test for him. I was told I could enter Singapore if I wanted but would have to leave my son behind who would be deported back to India. I also tried to transit but they did not allow us to buy return tickets. In such a situation I chose to stay back with him and we were sent back as per their procedure.

Now 9 months later when I applied for an entry visa through a Visa agent and Local contact/sponsor, it was rejected. I contacted them via the email provided by the Singapore consulate in India and it seems my application has gone in the appeal process.

My query is does the appeal system work? I have to attend a college immersion program at NUS and without it my MBA degree is on hold. Have such bans been lifted for individuals before where they had to choose to go back?

Thank you,

K Sri

ShekhzSingapore Expert25 February 2023 11:39:52

963

Only ICA can respond on this. Not adhering to Covid travel guidelines is a serious offence, not saying you did something wrong but it was wrong timing in your case (acceptance of the vaccine by SG Govt back the ).

ksriadNew member25 February 2023 11:57:55

@Shekhz Thanks for the reply. I get the gravity of the issue. However, my plea is just that I was given a choice to enter as I was vaccinated with Covishield (WHO and Singapore recognized) . Now, I don't know what they have mentioned in their system - whether they clubbed me together with my son's situation.

If I am denied the lift ban - will they inform us (Local contact) of the same?

Is there a better way to get in touch with the ICA other than email - where I could explain the situation with correct documents like vaccination certificate etc.

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert25 February 2023 20:45:10

15316

@ksriad Are you sure you got banned? I doubt it, because you did nothing wrong - only your son did. Therefore, I suspect your current visa rejection might have a different reason. Ask ICA! The best way to contact ICA is indeed by email, but you may also try calling.

ksriadNew member26 February 2023 06:06:08

@beppi ICA has informed my Local contact that my case has to go through the Appeal process. However, they have not disclosed the reason why. So I suppose I am banned. I also believe the reason stated in their system might be the small as my son’s. I was hoping that they would mention that I was not at fault but not sure what’s going on.

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert26 February 2023 09:38:04

15316

@ksriad If you are banned, they would not allow an appeal. So I think you are not!

ksriadNew member10 April 2023 07:59:34

I just wanted to update the final outcome of the appeal. ICA has issued me a letter that says I will be treated as a regular visitor going forward and if I have any problem at the immigration, I can show the letter to the officer.

They however did not issue a visitor visa for me. So, I am wondering if in the future I apply for one through an agent/PR will it go through?

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