Singapore jails Chinese national who overstayed for almost 19 years

Chen Yueying, 54, pleaded guilty to one count under the Immigration Act for remaining in Singapore for 18 years, 10 months and one day from November 2005, after her special pass had expired.

Chen had been issued a special pass on November 2, 2005, permitting her to remain in Singapore until November 23, 2005, as she was initially asked to be a prosecution witness for an unidentified case.

When she was supposed to report for repatriation, she did not show up, instead staying in Singapore for almost 19 years until she turned herself in at Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre on September 24 this year.

She was remanded and attended proceedings via video-link, sporting shoulder-length hair, glasses and a mask.