Indonesia baby trafficking ring: Adoptive parents face delays getting Singapore citizenship for children amid probe

SPF and MSF have been in contact with Indonesian police and Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs in relation to the investigation findings and to verify the circumstances surrounding the affected children who were brought into Singapore for adoption.

SPF has also been rendering assistance to its Indonesian counterparts for their investigations.

Noting that the investigations are important, MHA and MSF said: “Child trafficking is a serious matter as it exploits young children’s vulnerabilities, violates their rights and separates them from their biological families for others’ personal gain or criminal activities.

“It also affects the children’s long-term well-being and development.”

MSF and the Immigration Checkpoints Authority have been in touch with the affected adoptive parents to explain the situation, which has led to some delays in their children’s citizenship applications.

“We are keenly aware of the anxiety that this situation has caused to the adoptive parents, and are working closely across the relevant authorities to ensure that the cases are dealt with as expeditiously as we can, and to safeguard the welfare and interests of the children,” said MHA and MSF.

Families who require financial support in the interim period can approach a social service office for assistance, the ministries added.