AIRPORT PASS FOR EX-OFFENDERS WORKING AT CHANGI AIRPORT

AIRPORT PASS FOR EX-OFFENDERS WORKING AT CHANGI AIRPORT

25.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Home Affairs, given the Prime Minister's call to give people a second chance and the Yellow Ribbon project to help ex-offenders integrate back into society, whether the present restriction on ex-offenders, who work at Changi Airport , for an airport pass to the Cargo Complex can be reviewed.

Column: 1143

Mr Wong Kan Seng: The Cargo Complex is a key installation. Most of the cargo going through the Cargo Complex are carried to their overseas destinations on passenger aircrafts. Hence, for security reasons, all persons entering the Cargo Complex and other restricted areas of the airport require an airport security pass issued by the Airport Police. They have to be screened by Police before they can be issued with such a pass. This screening is a requirement stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation or ICAO, to which Singapore is a Contracting State .

But let me assure Ms Ng that Police does not rule out ex-offenders indiscriminately when screening applicants for the airport pass. For these ex-offenders, Police would consider the nature of their offences and whether they have turned over a new leaf by staying away from crime. There is a debarment period which is constantly reviewed.

Column: 1143

---