SINGAPORE, Feb 27 — The authorities have arrested 13 people for immigration-related offences following a recent raid by officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Nine of those arrested last Thursday were aged between 25 and 49.

They had overstayed in Singapore.

Four other suspects, including a Singaporean, are being investigated for employing or harbouring an immigration offender, the ICA said in a statement yesterday.

Investigations are ongoing.

Under the Immigration Act, the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while the penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to S$2,000 (RM5,940), a jail term of up to six months, or both.

The ICA said homeowners should "exercise due diligence” in ensuring that their tenants, or prospective tenants, are in Singapore legally.

Those who wish to rent their premises to foreigners are required to check and verify the particulars and validity of the tenants’ original immigration or work pass, the ICA added. — TODAY