SINGAPORE: Visa applications sponsored by a travel agency for terrorism-linked individuals were not approved, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Thursday (Feb 13).
MHA was responding to queries from CNA regarding revelations earlier in the week that a Singapore-registered travel agency, linked to an Iranian-Malaysian couple, had sponsored visa applications for foreigners with terrorism links to enter Singapore.
The couple will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore, MHA said on Monday.
In its response on Thursday, the ministry said 38-year-old Iranian national Parvane Heidaridehkordi must leave Singapore by Feb 17, seven days after her long-term visit pass was cancelled. She was involved in operating the travel agency.
Her husband, 65-year-old Malaysian national Soo Thean Ling, is currently not in Singapore, said MHA. Mr Soo, who is a Singapore permanent resident, has been declared a prohibited immigrant as he is a family member of Ms Parvane.
Neither Ms Parvane nor Mr Soo was arrested, and investigations so far have not found them to be involved in other terrorism-related activities, MHA told CNA.
MHA previously said the travel agency had served as a front for an operation directed by a foreigner based overseas. The agency has been deregistered.
The ministry did not disclose the name of the travel agency or other details of the probe, citing "operational reasons".
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.