(SINGAPORE) A 15-year-old Myanmar national on a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore has become the first foreigner ordered to be deported under the country’s new Kpod law, after authorities found an e‑vaporiser pod containing etomidate on her during a routine police check. Her pass was revoked by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on November 14, 2025, and she will be barred from returning to Singapore after investigations end.
Official announcement and immediate actions
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced the case on December 8, 2025, calling it the first time a foreign national has lost a long-term immigration facility because of Kpod possession under the new rules.
- Officers found a Kpod containing etomidate during a routine police check.
- The girl’s Long-Term Visit Pass was cancelled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on 14 November 2025.
- She was issued a Special Pass to remain temporarily in Singapore to assist with investigations.
- Authorities said she will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore once investigations are completed.
Context: the September 1, 2025 rule changes
Enhanced penalties took effect on September 1, 2025. Under these changes:
- Foreigners found possessing or using Kpods, or who test positive for etomidate, may have their immigration passes revoked.
- Revocation may be followed by deportation and bans on re-entry to Singapore.
Officials say these measures are part of Singapore’s wider effort to combat vaping and the use of harmful substances in e‑vaporisers, with a special focus on substances like etomidate that are considered dangerous and pose health risks.
Enforcement message and policy intent
Authorities emphasized the deportation move was meant to send a strong signal that immigration status does not shield foreigners from these penalties. Under the new framework, immigration facilities — including the Long-Term Visit Pass — can be withdrawn if holders are found possessing or using Kpods or if they test positive for etomidate.
The decision illustrates how immigration and health policies are being combined in Singapore’s response to dangerous vaping products.
Related incidents and broader crackdown
Officials highlighted a separate incident involving a 16-year-old Singaporean male who has been admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre for etomidate abuse. His case was cited alongside the Myanmar girl’s case to show the broader crackdown on etomidate-related offences.
What this means for foreign families and pass holders
The Myanmar girl’s experience demonstrates how quickly a Long-Term Visit Pass can be lost:
- A single encounter involving a Kpod or a positive test for etomidate can trigger investigations and the loss of the right to remain.
- While investigations continue, the girl will remain on a Special Pass, which allows temporary legal stay but does not restore long-term status.
- Once investigations conclude, authorities have stated she will be removed and banned from re-entry.
Practical points for affected individuals
- Immigration tools now used against Kpods and etomidate include pass cancellation, deportation, and re-entry bans.
- Foreigners who hold long-term passes may be affected and should review pass conditions.
Official immigration information can be found on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
If you hold a Long-Term Pass, review the updated Kpod/etomidate rules now. Do not carry or use Kpods, and avoid exposure to etomidate; check with ICA if you’re unsure about permitted items.
Support and community resources
Authorities pointed to community support for those needing help:
- Fei Yue Community Services — 6485-8749
Families of foreign pass holders can also consult ICA notices and community agencies to understand the rules and their potential impact.
Analysis and shared responsibility
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Singapore’s approach combines:
- Strong border and immigration control, and
- Health-based actions taken by agencies such as the HSA.
The joint announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs and HSA on December 8, 2025 reflects this shared responsibility, citing both security and public health concerns in relation to Kpod products.
Key timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | Enhanced penalties for Kpods/etomidate took effect |
| November 14, 2025 | Long-Term Visit Pass cancelled; Special Pass issued |
| December 8, 2025 | Joint announcement by Ministry of Home Affairs and HSA |
Takeaways
- The case is the first deportation order under the new Kpod rules applied to a foreign national.
- It shows how routine enforcement can result in significant immigration consequences.
- Both citizens and foreigners will be watching future cases to see how Singapore balances punishment, rehabilitation, and public health protection.
For assistance or more information, consult the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority at https://www.ica.gov.sg or contact Fei Yue Community Services at 6485-8749.
Singapore revoked a 15-year-old Myanmar national’s Long-Term Visit Pass after police found an e‑vaporiser pod containing etomidate, marking the first deportation order under the Kpod rules. The girl received a Special Pass to assist investigations; authorities announced the case on December 8, 2025. Enhanced penalties effective September 1, 2025 permit revocation, deportation and re-entry bans for those possessing Kpods or testing positive for etomidate. Officials framed the move as combining immigration enforcement with public health protections.
