Singapore – Covid-19 – Immigration update

Par , Sophie Carlei, Fatia Bouteiller /

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Update: January 5th, 2021

Singapore restricts entry of some travellers from South Africa

What is the change?

With effect from 4 January 2021, travellers with a travel history to South Africa within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. The restriction will apply to long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, including those who have obtained prior approval to enter Singapore. Returning Singaporeans and permanent residents will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arriving in Singapore at the start of their 14-day stay-home notice.

Travellers from South Korea to serve stay-home notice at dedicated facilities

What is the change?

With effect from 11.59 p.m. on 26 December 2020, all travelers with a travel history to South Korea within the last 14 days will have to serve their stay-home notice at dedicated facilities. The new measures will also apply to returning Singapore-based travelers under the Singapore-South Korea Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) agreement.

Singapore – Singapore to bar the United Kingdom (UK) travellers and impose tighter measures for those with travel history to New South Wales

What is the change?

Long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel to the UK will not be allowed entry into Singapore from 23 December 2020, 11.59 p.m. The travelers, including short-term visitors who have travelled to the UK within the last 14 days, will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore.

The ban will also apply to travelers who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore. Returning Singapore citizens and permanent residents will be required to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore, at the start of their 14-day stay-home notice.

In addition, border measures for travelers with travel history to New South Wales in Australia within the past 14 days will also be tightened from 23 December 2020, 11.59 p.m. All travelers from Australia will be required to declare their travel history at airline check-in prior to their flight to Singapore.

Short-term travelers holding an Air Travel Pass and who have travelled to New South Wales within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore will not be allowed to enter the country. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders will be subject to a seven-day stay-home notice at their place of residence, with a COVID-19 PCR test before the end of the notice period.

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Update: December 21th, 2020

Segregated business travel lane launching

What is the change?

Singapore’s government has announced a new initiative, Connect@Singapore, which will create a new, segregated travel lane for business travelers from all countries.

Key Points:

  • Connect@Singapore will allow a select number of travelers from all countries to enter Singapore for short-term visits up to 14 days. Only business, official and high economic value travelers will be allowed to use the segregated travel lane.
  • These travelers will be allowed to begin arriving in Singapore in the second half of January 2021. The government will open applications for the segregated travel lane in the middle of January 2021.
  • Connect@Singapore travelers must obtain a valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before departing their home country. They must also undergo another PCR test when they arrive in Singapore.
  • After arriving in Singapore, Connect@Singapore travelers will be required to reside in dedicated facilities the whole time they are in the country. They must also be tested for COVID-19 regularly, including Antigen Rapid Tests and follow Safe Management Measures.
  • Connect@Singapore travelers will be required to remain within appointed facilities in Singapore, where they will be allowed to meet with local visitors. Safe management measures will need to be in place to separate the travelers from other individuals.

More information about Connect@Singapore is available here.

The new, segregated travel lane will soon allow a limited number of business travelers to enter and remain temporarily in Singapore.

More information about Connect@Singapore is available here.

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Update: December 17th, 2020

Singapore to launch segregated travel lane for business travellers

What is the change?

Singapore will launch a new segregated travel lane aimed at business travellers on short-term stays. The travel lane, or the Connect@Singapore initiative, will be open to a limited number of business, official, and high economic value travellers from all countries who are staying in Singapore for up to 14 days.

For their whole stay, travellers under the segregated travel lane will be housed within dedicated facilities, undergo regular testing, and observe all prevailing safe management measures. They will have to stay within their pre-declared travel group of up to five travellers within the segregated facility, and are not allowed to mingle with other travellers.

At the segregated facilities, the travellers will be able to conduct meetings with local visitors and with other traveller groups with safe management measures in place to separate segregated travel lane travellers from other individuals.

Applications for the segregated travel lane will open in the middle of January 2021, and Singapore can expect the first travellers to arrive from the second half of January 2021.

Authorities ease entry restrictions for new foreign workers to address labour crunch

What is the change?

The Government is easing restrictions to allow new work permit and S Pass applications across all sectors into Singapore in order to alleviate the manpower shortage faced by businesses. Previously, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said it was processing new work pass applications from countries with lower health risks such as China. It is now processing applications from all approved source countries, with workers from certain countries and regions working for specific industry sectors.

Applicants and employers must adhere to current border measures, which include seeking entry approval from the authorities, undergoing pre-departure tests, and completing their stay-home notice in Singapore. MOM has also begun allowing existing work pass holders to return to Singapore.

Update: December 15th, 2020

Additional requirements to bring pass holders and their dependents into Singapore

What is the change?

Pass holders who spent the last 14 consecutive days in Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, and Vietnam before entering Singapore, and did not transit through other countries/regions, must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport.

Pass holders who spent the last 14 consecutive days in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan before entering Singapore, and did not transit through other countries/regions, must serve a 7-day stay home notice (SHN) at a hotel or a suitable place of residence that is occupied only by them or their family; and take a COVID-19 test before their SHN is over.

All other pass holders must take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure; serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities upon arrival in Singapore; and take a COVID-19 test before their SHN is over.

For all of the above categories, pass holders who are 12 years old and below this year are exempted from the COVID-19 test until 14 December 2020, 11:59 p.m. After this time, only pass holders who are six years old and below this year will be exempted from the test.

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Update: November 11th, 2020

SAir travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong to start on 22 November 2020

What is the change?

The air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong will start on 22 November 2020, with one flight a day into each city and 200 passengers each way. This will increase to two flights a day into each city from 7 December 2020. Travellers have to take the dedicated flights, but will have no restrictions on their travel purpose and do not have to follow a controlled itinerary. They will also not be subject to quarantine or stay-home notice.

However, they must test negative on COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests within 72 hours before their scheduled departure time. Those departing from Singapore will be required to apply for approval to take their PCR test at least seven days before departure, and will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong to do so. From 1 December 2020, travellers do not need to apply for approval to take the test. Travellers will also have to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport.

Anyone who has remained in Singapore or Hong Kong in the last 14 consecutive days prior to travelling is eligible. However, holders of work permits or S Passes in the construction, marine shipyard, or process sectors are excluded.

Travellers departing from Hong Kong to Singapore also have to take a PCR test within 72 hours before their scheduled departure time. They can do so at one of the recognised clinics or testing centres. Hong Kong travellers going to Singapore will need to apply for an air travel pass, and must download and register for the TraceTogether application on their mobile phones. They must keep the application activated during their stay in Singapore and keep the app on their phone for 14 consecutive days after leaving.

Singapore to require all foreign inbound travellers to take pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test

What is the change?

With effect from 18 November 2020, travellers who are not Singaporeans or permanent residents will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before their departure. These travellers will still be required to serve their stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore and will be tested at the end of their stay-home notice.

However, travellers from low-risk territories are exempted from this requirement. These include individuals from Brunei, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Mainland China, Macao, Malaysia (except Sabah), Taiwan, and those from Hong Kong who are not under the Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble.

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Update: November 04th, 2020

Singapore to lift border restrictions for visitors from mainland China and Australia’s Victoria state from 6 November 2020

What is the change?

Singapore will lift its border restrictions for all visitors from mainland China and Australia’s Victoria state—including all travellers who are not Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or long-term pass holders—from midnight on 6 November 2020.

From 12 p.m. on 30 October 2020, visitors travelling from mainland China and Victoria state can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) for entry into Singapore on or after 6 November 2020. Applicants must have remained in either mainland China or Australia in the last 14 consecutive days prior to their entry and must travel to Singapore on direct flights without transit. More details on the conditions of the Air Travel Pass, application requirements, and process can be found here.

Travellers will then undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival at the airport. They will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore, without a need to serve a stay-home notice, if their test result is negative.

From midnight on 6 November 2020, Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders returning from mainland China and Victoria state will similarly undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. They will also be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore without a need to serve stay-home notice if their test results are negative.

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Update: October 27th, 2020

Singapore and Germany agree to set up ‘green lane’ for essential business and official travel

What is the change?

Residents in Singapore and Germany may soon be able to travel between the two countries for essential business and official purposes, after both sides agreed to establish a reciprocal green lane. Eligible applicants will have to abide by the COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries. Operational details of the green lane, including the procedural requirements, health protocols, and application process, will be announced at a later date.

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Update: October 19th, 2020

Latest updates on travel measures

What is the change?

All travellers entering Singapore from 14 October 2020, 11.59 p.m., onwards with a travel history in the past 14 days to Sabah will have to serve the 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. The measure will also apply to returning Singapore-based travellers under the Reciprocal Green Lane scheme as well as Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents (PR) entering Singapore under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement.

Any visitor with recent travel history to Indonesia or Philippines, who is not a Singapore citizen or PR, will also be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 test to enter or transfer through Singapore. This measure will take effect from 19 October 2020, 11.59 p.m. To reduce the importation of cases from these countries, travellers have to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test within 72 hours before departure. They will still be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities and take a negative COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN. In addition, Hong Kong will be added to the list of low-risk countries or regions, which includes Mainland China and Taiwan. Travellers from Hong Kong will be allowed to serve a reduced seven-day SHN at their place of residence instead of 14 days at dedicated SHN facilities. This takes effect from 14 October 2020, 11.59 p.m.

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Update: October 13th, 2020

Singapore and Indonesia announce reciprocal green lane

What is the change?

Applications for a reciprocal green lane between Singapore and Indonesia will begin on 26 October 2020. The reciprocal green lane will enable cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes to resume between both countries.

Eligible applicants are Indonesian citizens, as well as Singapore citizens and residents. These travellers will have to abide by the COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries, including pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 swab tests from mutually recognised health institutions. More details on the reciprocal green lane will be announced in due course.

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Update: September 02nd, 2020

Cost of Stay-Home Notice (SHN) stays, swab tests, and medical expenses

What is the change?

As Singapore gradually re-opens its borders for more international travel, the charging policy for the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities, post-SHN swab test and medical expenses depend on considerations such as the traveller type, and the date of departure from Singapore. Please refer to the link below for the latest charging policies, including a breakdown for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass Holders, and Short-Term Visit Pass Holders.

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Update: August 28th, 2020

Travellers to Singapore with recent travel history to South Korea to serve Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities

What is the change?

Travellers entering Singapore who have recent travel history to South Korea will have to serve the 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) period at dedicated facilities instead of their own place of residence. The regulation applies to those entering Singapore from midnight on 29 August 2020, and those who have travelled to South Korea within the last 14 days, including transit. These travellers will also have to undergo a COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN, as per the current requirement.

Salary criteria for Employment Passes and S Passes will be raised

What is the change

The Government will raise the salary criteria for Employment Passes (EPs) and S Passes amid weak labour market conditions. Currently, those on EPs need to earn at least S$3,900 a month, while S Pass holders earn a minimum of S$2,400 a month.

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Update: August 10th, 2020

Requirements and process for Reciprocal Green Lane arrangement with Malaysia

What is the change?

Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to implement the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) to facilitate essential business and official travel between both countries for up to 14 days. The SafeTravel Pass is a mandatory document for in-bound travellers for essential business and official travel from Malaysia to Singapore via the Singapore-Malaysia RGL.

Business or official travellers seeking to make essential travel via the RGL to Singapore from Malaysia must be sponsored by either a Singapore-based company or a Singapore Government agency, which will file an application on behalf of the applicant for a SafeTravel Pass.

From 10 August 2020, only business or official travellers sponsored by a Singapore Government agency may submit applications to use the Singapore-Malaysia RGL. Applications for company-sponsored travellers to use the Singapore-Malaysia RGL can be submitted in end-August.

For more information on the visa requirements, as well as pre- and post-arrival measures, please refer to the link below.

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Update: July 28th, 2020

Singapore-Malaysia travel arrangements for permit holders, business travellers finalised

What is the change?

Singapore and Malaysia have finalised arrangements for long-term pass holders and travellers on essential or official business to cross the border. The operational details of the reciprocal green lane and periodic commuting arrangement will be published in the next few days, and applications will kick off on 10 August 2020. Meanwhile, the two countries have also agreed to develop a proposal for daily commuters crossing the border for work, and are also working out arrangements for cross-border travel for compassionate reasons.

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Update: July 27th, 2020

Singapore and EU to create common standards for safe air travel amid COVID-19 pandemic

What is the change?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will collaborate to create common standards to promote safe air travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be done through coordination on measures to protect the health and safety of passengers, air crew and airport staff. It will cover several measures, such as the implementation of physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures, as well as more intensive cleaning of facilities.

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Update: July 16th, 2020

Singapore and Malaysia targeting to start cross-border travel from 10 August for some residents and business visitors

What is the change?

Singapore and Malaysia have set 10 August 2020 as the target date to start cross-border travel between the two countries for some residents and business travellers. Both countries have agreed to implement two schemes – the Reciprocal Green Lane and Periodic Commuting Arrangement.

The Reciprocal Green Lane will allow travel between Singapore and Malaysia for “essential business and official purposes”. Eligible travellers will have to abide by the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and public health measures agreed upon by both countries, including swab tests. They will also have to submit a “controlled itinerary” to the receiving country, and adhere to this itinerary during their visit.

The Periodic Commuting Arrangement will allow Singapore and Malaysia residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter that country for work. After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they can return to their home country for a “short-term home leave”. They can then return to their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months. These travellers will also have to abide by COVID-19 measures.

Officials of both countries are still finalising the standard operating procedures of both the Reciprocal Green Lane and Periodic Commuting Arrangement schemes. The requirements, health protocols and application process involved for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore will be published 10 days before the 10 August 2020 targeted start date of the two schemes.

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Update: July 10th, 2020

All travellers seeking entry into Singapore must submit health declarations

What is the change?

All travellers must submit a health declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before proceeding with immigration clearance in Singapore, and will be required to show their health declaration acknowledgement email to an ICA officer for arrival immigration clearance.

Travellers can submit their health declaration within three days prior to the date of their arrival in Singapore. Travellers are also reminded to update and resubmit their declarations prior to arrival in Singapore if they have recently visited a hospital, had contact with a COVID-19 case, and/or if there is any change in their health status and/or travel history.

Returning Singapore residents and long-term pass holders, who had travelled to China for essential business or official travel under the Green/Fast Lane arrangements, must also present to the ICA officers a Letter of Invitation issued by the relevant local Chinese authorities.

Regional green lanes will take more time than bilateral ones

What is the change?

An Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) travel green lane or a broader regional travel bubble is something the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force aspires towards, although it will not be achieved in the near term. Instead, discussions on bilateral green lanes, which will progress faster and be easier to set up, are currently ongoing.

On 27 June 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a green lane and periodic commuting arrangement would be established between Singapore and Malaysia to meet the needs of different groups of cross-border travellers, following a telephone call between the prime ministers of both countries.

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Update: July 9th, 2020

Advisory for employers and employees travelling to and from COVID-19 affected areas

What is the change?

All pass holders must obtain entry approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before they can enter Singapore. Upon entry, they need to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN).

To bring pass holders into Singapore, employers must:

1. Ensure they can fulfil the additional responsibilities to bring them in. This includes paying for their COVID-19 test and 14-day stay at the dedicated SHN facility, if applicable. If the work pass holders have dependants who are not issued any work passes, including Letter of Consent (LOC), they must fulfil their responsibilities towards their dependants.

2. Request for MOM’s entry approval before the pass holders can enter Singapore. More information on who needs to request for entry approval and who will be responsible for ensuring that the SHN is observed can be found in the link below. Those with Long Term Visit Passes (LTVPs) issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) need to request for ICA’s entry approval, even if they have LOCs issued by MOM.

Requests received from 12.01 p.m. today to 12 p.m. tomorrow are for arrivals within 30 days after tomorrow. For example, if your pass holder is arriving in Singapore on 1 August 2020, you can submit the entry approval request from 12.01 p.m., 1 July 2020 to 12 p.m., 31 July 2020.

3. Wait for MOM’s approval before arranging for the pass holders to start their journey to Singapore.

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Update: July 3rd, 2020

Updated procedures for bringing pass holders into Singapore

What is the change?

As a summary, all pass holders must obtain MOM’s entry approval before they can enter Singapore. Upon entry, they need to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). However, those conveying essential services or supplies coming from Malaysia by land or sea crossing are exempted from the entry approval and SHN requirements.

Before employers can bring pass holders into Singapore, they will need to complete the following steps:

  1. Ensure that they can fulfil the additional responsibilities to bring their work pass holders in. If they have dependants who are not issued any work passes, including Letter of Consent (LOC), they must also fulfil their responsibilities towards their dependants. Please note there are changes to the SHN requirements from 17 June 2020, 11.59 p.m.
  2. Request for MOM’s entry approval. For more information on who needs to request for MOM’s approval and who is responsible for ensuring that SHN is observed, please refer to the link below.
  3. Wait for MOM’s approval before arranging for the pass holders to commence their journey to Singapore. For In-Principle Approval (IPA) holders, employers need to wait for them to complete their 14-day SHN before they can get their passes issued. 

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Update: June 26th, 2020

Updated Stay Home Notice (SHN) requirements for pass holders based on their travel history

What is the change?

Pass holders who have only been to the following countries/regions in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their entry into Singapore can now serve their 14-day SHN at a suitable place of residence that is only occupied by them or their family members or hotel at their own cost:

  • Australia
  •  Brunei Darussalam
  • Germany (applies to entry approvals granted from 25 June 2020)
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Macao
  • Mainland China
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Vietnam

They are not allowed to serve SHN in dormitories or in premises that are occupied by non-family members. The SHN accommodation must fulfil the prevailing SHN advisory and guidelines at www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19.

Pass holders who have been to all other countries in the last 14 days prior to their entry into Singapore, are required to serve their 14-day SHN at a dedicated SHN facility. The pass holder will be transported by the Government to the dedicated SHN facility upon arrival into Singapore.

Responsibility for costs of foreign employee’s SHN accommodation and COVID-19 test

What is the change?

From 17 June 2020, 11.59 p.m., pass holders arriving in Singapore will be subjected to charges for their 14-day SHN accommodation at dedicated facilities (S$2,000 including GST) and COVID-19 test (up to S$200 including GST). The responsibility for bearing the costs of a foreign employee’s SHN accommodation and COVID-19 test is defined as follows:

  • Existing work pass holders returning from overseas: For those who left Singapore for work, employers must bear the costs in full and are not allowed to pass on any cost to the employees. For those who left Singapore for personal reasons, employers and employees can come to a mutual agreement on who bears the costs or how to share them. This arrangement also applies to employees who are affected by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO).
  • New work pass holders with in-principle approvals planning to enter Singapore for employment: For Work Permit holders, employers must bear the costs in full and are not allowed to pass on any cost to the employees. For other work passes, employers and employees can come to a mutual agreement on who bears the costs or how to share them.

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Update: June 22th, 2020

Updates requirements for Stay-Home Notice and COVID-19 testing

What is the change?

Besides the Stay-Home Notice (SHN), a testing regime will apply to all travellers entering Singapore from 17 June 2020, 11.59 p.m. However, as the tests could pose difficulties for young children aged 12 and below, they are not required to undergo the COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN unless the test results of their close contacts are found to be positive.

With the testing regime in place, the existing requirement for all incoming travellers to stay at SHN Dedicated Facilities (SDF) has been updated. All travellers entering Singapore from 17 June 2020, 11.59 p.m., and who had remained in Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macao SAR, mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam in the last consecutive 14 days prior to this entry, will no longer need to serve their SHN at SDF. All other travellers entering Singapore will continue to serve their SHN at SDF, for now. Those who are not Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, where applicable.

For those with extenuating circumstances, such as medical conditions or mobility issues that make it difficult for them to stay in SDF, they should provide the details in this form at www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19.  They can also contact the SHN Helpline at 6812 5555 for further assistance.

Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents, and long-term pass holders who are residents in China and need to make short-term essential business or official travel between Singapore and the six fast lane regions in mainland China (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang) are eligible to apply for a SafePass Travel Pass to enter Singapore.

Successful applicants who hold a valid SafeTravel Pass will be exempted from the SHN, but should still comply with other health measures, including the requirement to take a pre-departure and a post-arrival COVID-19 test. These visitors will also still need a visa as per entry requirements, if they hold a visa-required travel document. There is no need to apply for a new visa if they have an existing valid visa as the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel pass is approved.

More information on the latest border control measures can be found in the link below.

Cost of COVID-19 tests for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents (PRs)

What is the change

Singaporeans and Singapore PRs who left Singapore before an advisory against travelling out of the country was issued on 27 March 2020 and who are returning by 31 August 2020 will not have to pay for their COVID-19 tests.

However, those who left the country after 27 March 2020 in spite of the travel advisory will continue to bear the full costs of their COVID-19 tests, which costs up to S$200. They would also need to pay for staying in dedicated facilities if they are serving their Stay-Home Notices there. This applies to all Singaporeans, Singapore PRs, and foreigners.

Singapore – Stay-Home Notice arrangements for long term pass holders

What is the change?

Long term pass holders whose entry into Singapore has been approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be charged for their stay at a dedicated facility (S$2,000, including Goods and Services Tax [GST]) as part of their SHN and COVID-19 test (up to S$200, including GST) no later than three days after their arrival into Singapore.

According to an email to employers dated 17 June 2020, MOM has stated these charges are payable by the employing company and is applied per person, which is to say that companies who apply for a work pass holder to enter Singapore with his dependents will be billed the prevailing amount for each accompanying member of the family. Companies will receive an email containing a link and instructions for making payment via credit card after the foreign national arrives in Singapore.

Rooms are arranged on a single-basis. If a foreign national is approved to enter Singapore with their dependents, they may seek approval to share a form using this form at least three days before the arrival date. This request has to be filed prior to the individual’s arrival into Singapore and will only be considered if the family arrives on the same flight. In the event the request is denied, companies will be charged the single room rate of S$2,000.

For more information on the changes to SHN requirements with effect from 17 June 2020, 11.59 p.m., please refer to the link below.

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Update: June 15th, 2020

Singapore to gradually reopen borders, plans to resume essential travel among countries with low COVID-19 transmission rate

What is the change?

Changi Airport has set up new Transit Holding Areas (THA) in Terminals 1 and 3 as it prepares for the gradual resumption of transit passenger services. In an update on its website, SIA said that travellers will be able to transit through Changi Airport from selected cities in Australia and New Zealand, to any destination in SIA’s group network operated by SIA, SilkAir or Scoot, from 11 June 2020.

The transit flights are only for outbound journeys from Australian cities Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, as well as New Zealand cities Auckland and Christchurch. Passengers will not be able to transit from other places in SIA’s group network through Singapore into these cities. Customers should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for their final destination.

Transfers to and from flights operated by other airlines are currently not permitted.

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Update: June 1st, 2020

Singapore to gradually reopen borders, plans to resume essential travel among countries with low COVID-19 transmission rate

What is the change?

The Philippines Embassy is arranging a flight for foreigners returning to the Philippines on 3 June 2020. Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis from the Philippine Airlines.

Appointments for services at Ministry of Manpower Services Centre (MOMSC) or Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC)

What is the change?

With Safe Reopening measures in place from 2 June 2020, the number of appointment slots for services at MOMSC or EPSC will be limited. Applicants are advised not be worried if they are unable to obtain a slot or make an appointment yet as the following measures are in place:

The following groups are also advised not make an appointment yet:

  • Pass holders who need to do a medical examination for card registration and have not done so. Please only make an appointment after completing the medical examination. Clinics will likely resume providing this service in Phase 2 (Safe Transition).
  • Pass holders who are currently staying in dormitories gazetted as isolation areas. Please only make an appointment after you are allowed to leave the dormitory. Otherwise, it is an offence.

Resumption of business activities from 2 June 2020

What is the change?

From 2 June 2020, businesses will be allowed to resume activities in a phased manner. In an email circular issued by the MTI on 31 May 2020, businesses are reminded to take the following actions:

  • Check if your business may resume here.
  • If your business is permitted to resume on-site operations on 2 June 2020, you are required to declare your manpower details using the “Permissions and Manpower Declaration” link at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg within two weeks of resuming operations. The details that you are required to provide are: (i) the total number of employees/workers working on-site, and (ii) the proportion of these employees/workers who are working part-time and/or shifts. The portal is now available to receive your declaration.
  • Before you resume on-site operations, it is essential for your business to implement the Requirements for Safe Management at Workplaces, and comply with sector-specific advisories and requirements. More information can be found here.

Entry into Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) Building strictly for selected services and by appointment only; one-off delivery of identity cards and passports to applicants

What is the change?

Starting from 2 June 2020, the ICA at the ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road, will resume counter services in a limited and controlled manner, strictly for selected services and by appointment only. Members of the public should continue to use ICA’s e-Services available at MyICA, such as for passport application, identity card (IC) re-registration, and extension of Short-Term Visit Pass.

ICA counter services will only be available for services that cannot be done or completed online. Examples include collection of passport and IC, and completion of formalities for long-term immigration facilities. ICA will not accept walk-ins for these services. Before making their way to the ICA Building, members of the public have to first obtain an appointment date and time. To find out how to make an appointment and view the full list of e-Services available, please refer to the link below.

ICA will also arrange delivery of the IC and passport to residents who have applied for an IC under mandatory/optional IC re-registration, or applied for a passport, between 1 January and 31 May 2020, and have not collected their IC or passport because of the circuit breaker. Applicants will not be charged for this one-off delivery service. ICA is in the process of arranging for the delivery service, and will contact all affected applicants and provide them with the details of this service from mid-June to end July 2020.

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Update: May 21th, 2020

Singapore to gradually reopen borders, plans to resume essential travel among countries with low COVID-19 transmission rate

What is the change?

Singapore will gradually reopen its borders with safeguards in place to allow Singaporeans to conduct essential activities abroad and for foreigners to enter and transit through the country, the Ministry of Health said on 19 May 2020, Tuesday.

“Singapore is currently exploring the possibility of piloting green lane arrangements with a few countries assessed to be at equivalent or lower risk of community transmission as Singapore, for which essential travel in limited numbers and with safeguards, could be conducted safely,” the health ministry said. It will consider expanding such arrangements gradually as global conditions improve.

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Update: May 5th, 2020

Extension of passes expiring from 6 May 2020 to 5 June 2020

What is the change?

In an email circular to employers dated 1 May 2020, the MOM announced that in view of the circuit breaker extension, the Work Permits of non-Malaysian workers in Construction, Marine shipyard and Process sectors, as well as non-traditional sources (NTS) workers in the other sectors will be automatically extended until 1 July 20201 if they are expiring between 6 May 2020 and 5 June 2020.

All other Work Permits2, S Passes and Employment Passes3 (including dependant passes) expiring between 6 May 2020 and 5 June 2020 will be extended until 1 July 20201, unless employers notify MOM via this form by 4 May 2020 that they do not wish to extend the work passes.

Work pass holders are advised to go for their medical examinations (if required for renewal) after the circuit breaker period. The extension of work pass validities will provide more time for the workers to complete their medical examinations.

If the security bond of the employee is expiring on or before 1 July 2020, employers are required to purchase a new one at least 14 days before the bond expires if they plan to renew the employee’s work permit. A separate email with further instructions will be sent to employers. Otherwise, employers should cancel the work pass on or before its expiry date and send the worker home.

1 Or until 14 days before the expiry date of their security bond, whichever is earlier

2 Except Training Work Permits, Work Permits for Performing Artistes

3 Except Training Employment Passes, Work Holiday Passes

Monthly declaration of salary payment for foreign employees in construction sector

What is the change?

With the increased number of foreign employees in the construction sector infected with COVID-19, MOM is requiring construction sector employers to submit a monthly declaration on salary payments to ensure that employees continue to get paid salaries, even during the circuit breaker period. In an email circular to employers dated 30 April 2020, it was stated that from May 2020, employers are required to submit a monthly declaration to indicate whether salaries have been paid for the preceding month(s).

Employers with foreign employees in the Construction sector are required to make an online declaration to indicate whether April 2020 salaries have been paid. The declaration should be submitted by 8 May 2020, 11.59 p.m.

Changes to work pass services arising from extension of circuit breaker period

What is the change?

With the extension of the circuit breaker period until 1 June 2020, the MOM has announced the following changes to its work pass services:

  • Card registration and collection: The Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) at Riverwalk and Hall C of MOM Services Centre at Bendemeer will be closed. Pass holders who are unable to proceed with card registration or collection can remain in Singapore with their notification letters or card replacement letters. Work pass holders who telecommute or work in essential services approved by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) may use the letters as proof of the validity of their passes. For notification letters that are expiring soon, MOM will automatically extend their expiry dates. Thus, there is no need to request for an extension. Please note that no hard copy letters will be issued for this extension. Once the circuit breaker period is over, please visit the MOM website for more details.
  • Card delivery services: Card delivery services will be suspended. MOM will inform employers of the new delivery dates.

For more information on other work pass services relating to passes expiring from 6 May 2020 to 5 June 2020; medical examinations for pass holders; workers who need trades certification (e.g., Construction Safety Orientation Course [General Trade], Safety Orientation Course [Metalworking] ) to get their Work Permits issued or renewed; settling-in programme (SIP) for foreign workers and foreign domestic workers; in-principle approvals (IPAs) that expire during the circuit breaker period; and cancellation of passes and extension of stay, please refer to the link below.

Extension of Stay-Home Notices (SHN) for work permit and S Pass holders in construction sector

What is the change?

All work permits, S Pass holders and their dependents, in the Construction Sector are currently serving SHN until 4 May 20204 . After careful consideration, the MOM and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) have decided to extend the SHN for all work permit holders and S Pass holders in the Construction sector. They will now serve their SHN until 18 May 2020, 11.59 p.m. Similarly, the Dependant Pass holders of these workers will be placed on SHN for the same extended period.

Advisory to workers on safe distancing measures at hotels

What is the change?

The MOM has observed that some foreign workers currently residing in hotel decant sites are not observing safe distancing measures. In line with the national circuit breaker measures, all workers are required to remain in their rooms if they are not at work and avoid any social gatherings with others. First time offenders will be issued with a verbal warning by the on-site hotel security staff. Employers will also be informed. MOM may also revoke the work passes of repeat offenders.

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Update: April 24th, 2020

Reminder for employers to extend the stay of their foreign employees and dependants upon pass cancellation or expiry

What is the change?

In view of travel restrictions, some foreign employees and their dependants may face difficulties in returning home after the cancellation or expiry of their passes. Employers are reminded to extend their stay until travel restrictions have been lifted. According to the email circular to employers released by MOM’s Work Pass Division on 12 April 2020, employers are also required to bear the costs of sending them home.

MOM will not hesitate to take action against employers who do not comply with these requirements, including prosecution action and withdrawal of work pass privileges. To adhere to safe distancing measures, please use the online service to extend their stay, instead of visiting MOM’s service counters.

Employers must ensure acceptable housing for Malaysian employees while they are in Singapore

What is the change?

Following the extension of Malaysia’s MCO until 28 April 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that employers are not obliged to provide housing for their Malaysian employees after 14 April 2020. Nevertheless, in the email circular to employers issued by the Work Pass Division on 22 April 2020, it is stated that while employers are not obliged to pay for housing, they must still ensure their Malaysian employees stay in acceptable housing while in Singapore. Otherwise, they are liable to be prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Employers and employees may mutually agree on housing arrangements.

Further measures to help companies during extended circuit breaker

What is the change?

The Government will extend the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) wage subsidy of 75% for all sectors for the month of May 2020. This will help employers retain their local employees and continue paying them salaries during this period. Companies that reduce their employees’ salaries or put them on no-pay leave will receive correspondingly lower payouts in subsequent tranches. MOM will also investigate complaints of unfair practices to ensure that JSS payouts have been used to support employee salaries.

As part of the Solidarity Budget, employers are also given a Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) rebate of S$750 for each S Pass or Work Permit holder employed as of 29 February 2020. In addition, levies due to be paid in April 2020 have been waived. The Government will extend these measures by providing:

  • FWL rebate of S$750 for each S Pass or Work Permit Holder employed as of 1 May 2020.
  •  Waiver of FWL due in the month of May 2020.

The financial support to employers is to help them continue paying the salaries of our migrant workers, as part of Singapore’s commitment to look after their livelihoods during this difficult period. To ensure consistency of understanding and practice, MOM will require employers to make an acknowledgement at this link.

The FWL rebate will be processed and credited as follows:

  • Companies with PayNow Corporate accounts must acknowledge by 8 May 2020 to receive the FWL rebate on 29 May 2020; those that acknowledge by 22 May 2020 will receive the FWL rebate on 19 June 2020.
  • Companies without PayNow Corporate accounts must acknowledge by 22 May 2020 to receive the payment by cheque from 3 July 2020.

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Update: April 23th, 2020

Over 62,000 employers to benefit from S$675 million in Foreign Worker Levy rebates

What is the change?

The Government had earlier announced at the 6 April 2020 Solidarity Budget that it would provide employers with a Foreign Worker Levy rebate of S$750 for each work permit or S Pass holder. This is on top of the waiver of the Foreign Worker Levy that is due in April 2020. The initiatives are meant to provide additional support to help employers to care for the upkeep of our foreign workers during the circuit breaker period.

From 21 April 2020, more than 62,000 employers will benefit from close to S$675 million in the first wave of levy rebate payouts. This will be disbursed to eligible employers who have paid at least one month of levy due in 2020. Employers do not need to apply for the levy rebate. Employers will be informed once the rebate is successfully paid to them. In the meantime, employers can check their eligibility and the amount of rebate they will receive here1.

Eligible employers who have successfully signed up for PayNow Corporate will receive the rebate on 21 April 2020. MOM urges employers to sign up for PayNow Corporate by 29 April 2020, if they have not already done so, to be in time for the second crediting attempt on 30 April 2020. Otherwise, employers will receive the rebate via cheque from 15 May 2020.

1 Employers can check their levy eligibility and rebate at www.mom.gov.sg/levy-rebate. Only Directors, business owners, as well as Work Permit Online (WPOL), Employment Pass Online (EPOL)’s administrators and users can use this service.

Advisory to employers that certain foreign employees in the construction sector (and their dependants) are put on Stay-Home Notice from 20 April 2020 to 4 May 2020

What is the change?

As the number of COVID-19 infected cases involving foreign employees in the construction sector is increasing, Foreign Employees (as defined below) and their Dependants (where applicable), are put on Stay-Home Notice (SHN) effective from 20 April 2020, 0000 hours to 4 May 2020, 2359 hours (SHN Period).

Definition of foreign employees

“Foreign Employees” are foreign employees in the Construction Sector holding Work Permits and S Passes, residing in a Specified Place of Accommodation as defined in the Notifications to Employers (see Appendices A and B ). It excludes any dormitory gazetted as an “isolation area”, or any foreign employee dormitory as defined in the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA) 20151 as special arrangements have been made for foreign employees living in these places of accommodation. “Dependants” are family members of the Foreign Employees issued with Dependant’s Passes. This is a precautionary measure taken to minimise the risk of further community transmission of COVID-19.

Steps to be taken by employers

  • Employers are required to take the following steps by 19 April 2020, 2359 hours:
    • Issue the additional work pass conditions to your Foreign Employees (and require and take reasonable steps to ensure that your Foreign Employees issue the additional special conditions to their Dependants, if any).
    • Remind your Foreign Employees and their Dependants (if any) to fully comply with the additional conditions, failing which their Work Permits, S passes or Dependant’s Pass may be revoked.
    • Ensure that each of your Foreign Employee and their Dependants (if any) has a local mobile number registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and inform your Foreign Employees and their Dependants (if any) to download the WhatsApp and TraceTogether apps.
    • Inform your Foreign Employees and their Dependants (if any) that enforcement officers may contact them via WhatsApp audio and/or video call during the SHN Period.
    • Require and take reasonable steps to ensure your Foreign Employees and their Dependants (if any) monitor themselves for any signs of fever, cough, breathlessness or a runny nose including providing thermometers for the workers to record their temperature.
    • Arrange to deliver food to your Foreign Employees during the SHN Period, as they are not allowed to leave their premises to buy food. More information on this can be found in MOM’s advisory to employers on food arrangements for construction foreign employees on Stay-Home Notice from 20 April 2020 to 4 May 2020 issued on 21 April 2020.
  • From 20 April 2020 onwards, employers are required to submit a daily declaration on compliance to the measures listed above.

Exemption appeal for Foreign Employees carrying out essential services

For companies approved to carry out essential activities, employers may submit an appeal to BCA to allow your Foreign Employee(s) to leave their places of residence to perform work in respect of the permitted essential activities during the SHN Period. Appeals are subject to BCA’s approval on a case-by-case basis, and the number of Foreign Employees approved may also be limited.

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Update: April 22nd, 2020

Precautionary Stay-Home Notices for Work Permit and S pass holders in construction sector

What is the change?

As a precautionary move, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require all Work Permit holders and S Pass holders in the construction sector to be placed on mandatory stay-home notices (SHNs). This SHN will take effect on 20 April 2020 and end on 4 May 2020 (both dates inclusive). The Dependant Pass holders of these workers are also to be placed on SHN.

The SHN applies to all workers and their dependents in any place of accommodation, or any place which is converted into a place of accommodation on a temporary basis, or otherwise. It excludes those staying in any dormitory gazetted as an isolation area, or any foreign employee dormitory as defined in the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015, as special arrangements have already been catered for them.

During the SHN period, MOM enforcement officers will conduct regular checks on the workers to ensure compliance to SHN requirements. MOM will take strict enforcement measures against errant employers or employees who do not comply with the SHN requirements, including the suspension of work pass privileges and revocation of work passes. More information on the steps to be taken by employers can be found in the next article below.

Two Singapore Citizens and one foreigner to be charged after breaching their Stay-Home Notices (SHN)

What is the change?

Two Singapore Citizens and one foreigner will be charged in court on 21 April 2020 after breaching their Stay-Home Notices (SHN).

The Government had announced that with effect from 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore with travel history to any ASEAN country1 within the last 14 days would be issued an SHN and must remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period. From 20 March 2020, 2359 hours, these requirements were extended to all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore. Further measures were put in place, from 9 April 2020, 2359 hours, requiring all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore to serve their 14-day SHN at dedicated facilities.

ICA has investigated each of the three individuals’ wilful breaches of SHN requirements. In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, they will be charged in court on 21 April 2020 for their respective offences under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations. A person convicted of an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

ICA will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against those who fail to comply with SHN requirements. Besides prosecuting offenders under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, ICA may also cancel their immigration facilities and bar them from re-entering Singapore, where applicable.

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Update: April 17th, 2020

Exit declarations for Malaysian employees

What is the change?

In view of the extension of Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) until 28 April 2020, the Ministry of Manpower has issued the following instructions in an email circular to employers cancelling work passes for their Malaysian employees:

1.Complete the exit declaration form confirming that:

  • The employee and the employer have both agreed to end the employment.
  • The employers has already settled all outstanding employment issues (including salary payment) with the employee.
  • The employee is aware that the prevailing work pass criteria, entry approval, Stay-Home Notice and other MOM requirements will apply if he/she wishes to work in Singapore again.

2. Employee to show the acknowledgement email and attachment, which will be sent to him/her after the form is completed, to the immigration officer before leaving Singapore.

Employers are also requested to inform the employee that he/she may need to produce a medical certificate certifying that he/she is fit to travel (e.g., does not display COVID-19 symptoms) to the Malaysian immigration officer. Otherwise, he/she may be stopped from entering Malaysia.

3. Once the employee has left Singapore, employers are to notify MOM if they wish to cancel the work pass.

Employers are not obliged to provide housing for their Malaysian employees after 14 April, but may mutually agree with them on housing arrangements. To qualify for levy waiver for Malaysian employees who were on unpaid leave in Singapore until 14 April, please use this form.

Employers are advised to check Work Permit (WP) Online and Employment Pass (EP) Online regularly for further updates and requirements that may be imposed on work passes.

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Update: April 16th, 2020

Enhanced measures for workplaces which remain open

What is the change?

As part of a nation-wide circuit breaker which commenced on 7 April, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce has introduced several enhanced measures. For workplace premises which remain open, cross-deployment or movement of workers across different workplace premises (e.g., different branches) will be disallowed. Essential service providers who need to move between different locations to perform their services (e.g., Information Technology (IT) support, maintenance, logistics, community nurses making house visits) must ensure that safe distancing measures are complied with.

The MOM and other enforcement agencies will continue with inspections and take appropriate enforcement actions against non-compliant workplaces. First-time offences by essential service providers, owners or occupiers will be issued composition offers of S$1,000, and repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases. Essential service providers may be required to suspend their operations should any of their staff working on the premises become infected.

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Update: April 14th, 2020

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) intensifies inspections of factory-converted dormitories and workers breaching circuit breaker measures

What is the change?

In view of the evolving COVID-19 situation, the MOM has stepped up inspections at factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) to ensure that living conditions are acceptable, and that the well-being of the dormitory residents are taken care of. With circuit breaker measures in place until 4 May 2020, MOM officers are also checking that FCD operators and employers adhere to the enhanced safe distancing measures.

Despite past enforcements carried out in the vicinity of Tuas View Square, MOM inspectors found 24 work pass holders eating, drinking, and gathering in groups. To send a clear signal of the seriousness of the offense, MOM has decided to revoke all 24 work passes and permanently barred the individuals from working in Singapore.

MOM urges owners and operators of FCDs to pay special attention to the management of their dormitories during this circuit breaker period. Employers are also reminded to continue to pay the salaries of their workers promptly and look after their well-being during this period of circuit breaker. A copy of the advisory can be found here.

MOM will not hesitate to revoke the work pass privileges of errant employers. Work pass holders who do not cooperate will be fined, or have their work passes revoked and permanently barred from working in Singapore.

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Update: April 10th, 2020

Inter-agency taskforce to support foreign workers and dormitory operators during circuit breaker period

What is the change?

In view of the “circuit breaker” measures kicking in from 7 April till 4 May, foreign workers are not able to go to work. An inter-agency taskforce has been set up to provide support to foreign workers and dormitory operators during this period.

The MOM will assist the operators of S11 Dormitory @ Punggol as well as Westlite Toh Guan Dormitory, to look after the well-being of their residents, such as ensuring that they get timely supply of catered meals, and the premises are kept clean. A similar team has been deployed to Toh Guan Dormitory, which has also been gazetted as an isolation area.

The taskforce will progressively deploy inter-agency teams to the rest of the dormitories to support their operators as they implement the circuit breaker measures.

Two Singapore Citizens charged after breaching Stay-Home Notice (SHN)

What is the change?

Two Singapore Citizens were charged in court on 7 April after breaching their SHN. The Government had announced that with effect from 20 March, 11.59 p.m., all returning residents (Singaporeans, Permanent Residents), Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore would be issued an SHN and must remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against those who fail to comply with the SHN requirements. Besides prosecuting offenders under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, ICA may also cancel their immigration facilities, where applicable.

ICA also reminds all travellers to ensure that they submit complete and accurate health and travel declarations via the SG Arrival Card. Anyone who makes a false or misleading declaration will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The penalty for providing false or misleading information is a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. For subsequent offence(s), the penalty is a fine of up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months. For foreigners, ICA may also take further administrative actions, such as revocation of, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore.

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Update: April 09th, 2020

Expansion of the enhanced Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements to all countries

What is the change?

From 9 April 2020, 11.59 p.m., all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders entering Singapore will be required to serve a 14-day self-isolation at dedicated SHN facilities.

This is a further expansion of the enhanced SHN requirements for travellers returning to Singapore. Previously, returnees from the UK and US were required to serve a 14-day self-isolation at dedicated SHN facilities, and this was subsequently expanded to returnees from ASEAN countries, France, India and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, if there are unexpected capacity constraints (e.g., due to a larger than expected number of returnees), the dedicated SHN facilities may be prioritised for returnees from certain regions or countries, based on risk assessment. Returnees who are already back in Singapore will continue to serve their 14-day SHN at their current location.

As was earlier announced, all returnees who disregarded prevailing travel advisories and left Singapore from 27 March 2020 would be required to bear the full cost of their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.

10 non-essential businesses told to close after flouting circuit breaker rules

What is the change?

Ten businesses that do not provide essential services have been told to cease operations after they were found to have remained open during the circuit breaker period that began on Tuesday, 7 April 2020 and is expected to last until 4 May 2020.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said that verbal warnings were issued to these businesses and if they do not comply, they would be fined and their operations would be suspended.

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Update: March 30th, 2020

Entry approval required for all Long-Term Pass holders

What is the change?

The ICA and the Ministry of Education (MOE) will implement additional precautionary measures for all Long-Term Pass (LTP) holders who are entering or returning to Singapore. These include holders of the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), the Student’s Pass (STP), as well as those who have been granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a LTP. These measures will come into effect from 29 March 2020, 11.59 p.m.

Entry approval for holders of LTVPs and STPs issued by ICA

All LTVP holders1, as well as those who have been granted IPA for LTVP, who are planning to enter or return to Singapore, must obtain ICA’s permission before they commence their journey to Singapore. They can do so by submitting their application for entry to ICA_nCoV_request@ica.gov.sg.

All existing STP holders, and those who have been granted IPA for STP, who are planning to enter or return to Singapore must obtain MOE’s permission before they commence their journey to Singapore. MOE will take into consideration the course in which the student is enrolled, and prioritise entry approval for those studying in publicly-funded Institutes of Higher Learning. STP holders, and those who have been granted IPA for STP, should submit their application to their respective educational institution, which will then forward their application to MOE.

If permission is granted, applicants will be issued an approval letter of entry by ICA for LTVP holders, or by MOE for STP holders, which is valid for two weeks. They must produce this approval letter of entry to airline staff upon check-in at the departure airport, and to the immigration officer at the checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.

Applicants should not make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been given by ICA/MOE. If they arrive in Singapore without the approval letter of entry from ICA/MOE, ICA will not allow them to clear immigration, and will require them to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours, at their own cost. If they fail to comply, ICA will cancel their pass or rescind their IPA.

Entry approval for Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Work Pass Holders

Currently, the MOM has been requiring all new and existing Work Pass holders2 (including dependants3) to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey to Singapore. The entry approval requirement applies to:

  • Existing Work Pass holders currently out of Singapore; and
  • Those who have been granted IPA for a Work Pass, who have yet to enter Singapore.

Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. Work Pass holders who arrive in Singapore without a valid entry approval will not be allowed to clear immigration, and will be asked to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours, at their own cost.

Work Pass holders whose application for entry approval has been rejected should not enter or return to Singapore yet. They should apply again for the required approval. Those who do not comply and fly to Singapore nevertheless will have their Work Pass revoked and will be barred from future employment in Singapore.

For more information on the actions to be taken by employers to bring pass holders (Work Pass holders and their dependants) from overseas into Singapore, please refer to the corresponding section on the MOM website.

1 LTVPs are also issued by MOM to common-law spouses, step-children, handicapped children or parents of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder. MOM-issued LTVP holders will have to obtain MOM’s approval for entry.

2 Holders of LTVP issued by ICA, who also have a Letter of Consent (LOC) or Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) issued by MOM, should obtain ICA’s entry approval.

3 Dependant’s Pass holders and MOM-issued LTVP holders

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) cancels Singaporean’s passport for breaching Stay-Home Notice

What is the change?

The ICA has cancelled the passport of a Singapore Citizen for breaching the SHN requirements. The case has also been referred to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for investigation.

ICA said that it will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against those who fail to comply with SHN requirements. Besides cancellation of their immigration facilities, they can also be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, and face a fine of up to S$10,000, or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

ICA reminds all travellers to ensure that they submit complete and accurate travel declarations. From 27 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Singapore, including Singapore residents, must submit a health and travel declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. Travellers will be required to provide their health status and recent travel history, as well as personal particulars and contact details. Anyone who makes a false or misleading declaration will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The penalty for providing false or misleading information is a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. For subsequent offence(s), the penalty is a fine up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months. For non-Singaporeans, other administrative actions, such as revocation of, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore, may also be taken.

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Update: March 27th, 2020

Advisory on safe distancing measures at the workplace

What is the change?

The tripartite partners—the MOM, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)—expect employers to adopt strict safe distancing measures at the workplace as outlined in this advisory, so as to provide a safe working environment for their employees.

MOM and Ministry of Health (MOH) will take enforcement actions against employers who do not implement safe distancing measures, including ordering employers or occupiers to cease operations until the measures are put in place.

More information on the various safe distancing measures, including work from home arrangements, as well as other arrangements for job roles or functions where employees cannot work from home, such as frontline operations and fieldwork at construction sites, shipyards or plants, can be found in the link below.

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Update: March 26th, 2020

Safe distancing measures for foreign workers

What is the change?

In an email circular from the MOM to employers on 26 March, employers are strongly advised to remind all foreign work pass holders to strictly observe the following:

  • Workers are to only commute between their accommodation and work places.
  • Workers are permitted to go out to get meals or essential items. They are to keep any visit short. Avoid crowded places.
  • Avoid eating out. Take away food and consume it at home. Lunching together with others should be limited in numbers.
  • Observe a safe distance (at least one metre apart) when queuing or sitting in public places. If seats are fixed, sit at the seats marked for usage.
  • Workers who feel unwell, e.g., having mild flu-like symptoms, should see a doctor and stay at home to prevent spreading illness to others.

Employers to monitor and report health conditions of workers who entered Singapore between 14 March and 20 March to MOM daily

If employers have any workers who entered Singapore between 14 March and 20 March and are not issued with a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN), the employers should monitor their health for 14 days. This includes taking their temperature twice daily.

From 26 March until 3 April, employers are to submit a daily health declaration of all your affected workers to MOM. If any workers fall sick (e.g., having mild flu-like conditions), ensure that they see a doctor. Employers are to submit the declaration via this form.

Update MOM with the contact details of foreign work pass holders who recently entered Singapore; MOM will conduct checks to ensure workers are socially responsible

If employers have foreign work pass holders who entered Singapore between 14 March and 20 March (including work pass holders affected by Malaysia’s MCO and are currently staying in Singapore), they are required to update the mobile numbers of these affected workers through this form. Ensure that the mobile number provided is a local (Singapore) phone number.

Employers are required to update MOM by 26 March. MOM will periodically check on the workers’ whereabouts. They will receive an SMS and they are to respond. Failure to do so will result in enforcement action being taken against the employer and worker.

Travellers arriving In Singapore will receive advance notification of SHN requirements

What is the change?

From 27 March, 9.00 a.m., all travellers arriving in Singapore, including residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents), and Long-Term Pass holders (Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Work Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass Holders), must submit a health declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. They will have to do so via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service. The health declaration will be made available before 27 March as part of the SGAC e-Service, so that travellers who are due to arrive in Singapore after 27 March, 9.00 a.m., can complete it in advance of their arrival.

Upon submission of their health declaration, travellers will be notified electronically via email on the need to comply with the 14-day SHN on arrival in Singapore. This allows travellers to be notified of their SHN requirements earlier, instead of only during immigration clearance in Singapore. At the same time, they will be made aware of the penalties under Section 21A of the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) if they fail to comply with the requirements.

Travellers will receive the following when they submit their health declaration:

  1. An acknowledgment email after submission of the health declaration via SGAC e-Service.
  2. A reminder on the SHN requirements 24 hours prior to their arrival, if the health declaration was submitted more than 24 hours before arriving in Singapore.

On arrival, travellers will need to show their acknowledgement email, either on their mobile device or a printout copy, to ICA officers. Travellers must therefore provide a valid email address and contact number when submitting the electronic health declaration, as they will be used to send the acknowledgement. Travellers who do not have the acknowledgement email will experience delays during immigration clearance.

MOM entry approval and SHN requirements for Work Pass Holders from Malaysia

What is the change?

With immediate effect, the MOM will require all new and existing work pass holders (including dependants) planning to enter Singapore from Malaysia, to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey. This is applicable regardless of the mode of travel into Singapore.

The entry approval requirement applies to:

  1. Existing work pass holders currently out of Singapore; and
  2. In-Principle Approval holders who have yet to enter Singapore.

Upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day SHN. When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable housing premises for these employees and have made appropriate arrangements for food for the duration of their SHN.

Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. Employers should inform their affected employees (including their dependants) not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM. Employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in (if travelling by air) and at the ICA checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.

Exemptions for Malaysians and Work Pass Holders conveying essential services or supplies

The Singapore-Malaysia Special Working Committee has agreed that the transport of all types of goods between Malaysia and Singapore will be facilitated during the duration of Malaysia’s MCO. As such, those conveying essential services, or supplies (e.g., lorry drivers, vegetable supply truckers, frozen supply truckers) via land and sea crossings will be exempted from MOM’s entry approval and SHN requirements.

MOM will revoke work passes of migrant workers in large gatherings if they refuse to disperse

What is the change?

In a statement on Wednesday, 25 March, the MOM said it would step up inspections on the ground to disperse large gatherings by foreign workers, in particular foreign domestic workers (FDWs).

« As outdoor gatherings among FDWs tend to be large, MOM will take action to disperse them as an added precaution… Workers who do not cooperate will have their work passes revoked, » said the statement.

MOM advised foreign workers to remain in their residence on rest days, and said their employers and dormitory operators should « educate » them on this.

Workers should minimise time spent outside when running important errands, while employers should know where they are and have them return home once their tasks are complete. If they meet indoors, workers must observe the latest rules on gatherings, the MOM added.

—

Update: March 24th, 2020

Actions to be taken by employers to bring pass holders (work pass holders and their dependants) into Singapore

What is the change?

Due to the heightened risk of importing the COVID-19 cases, the MOM is restricting the entry of pass holders into Singapore. In granting entry approval, priority will be given to companies that provide essential services (e.g., healthcare and transport) and are supported by the relevant government agencies, while those that are not will be rejected.

All employers are strongly urged to defer bringing pass holders into Singapore. To facilitate this, MOM will automatically extend the validities of all in-principle approvals (IPAs) by two months. You can check the new validities using:

  • WP Online for Work Permit holders
  • EP Online for Employment Pass, S Pass holders and their dependants

If you are unable to defer the pass holders’ arrival, only proceed with the following if your company provides essential services (e.g., healthcare and transport) and is supported by the relevant government agencies:

  1. Ensure you can fulfil the additional responsibilities to bring your work pass holders in. If they have dependants who are not issued any work passes,
  2. including Letter of Consent (LOC), they must also fulfil their responsibilities towards their dependants.
  3. Request for MOM’s entry approval before the pass holders can enter Singapore.
  4. Wait for MOM’s approval before arranging for the pass holders to enter Singapore.

Applications open daily from 12:01 p.m. and close at 12 p.m. the next day. Requests received during this period are for arrivals within 10 days after the application closes (e.g., for arrivals in Singapore from 17 to 26 March, you can submit the request from 15 March, 12:01 p.m. to 16 March, 12 p.m.).

Applications are on a first-come-first-served basis. Applications submitted:

  • By 12 p.m.: Will receive the outcome on the same day.
  • After 12 p.m.: Will receive the outcome the next day.

Note: For pass holders with Hubei-issued passports or recent travel history to Hubei, please defer their entry to Singapore as far as possible.

Further measures to help companies cope with COVID-19 situation

What is the change?

MOM will introduce further measures to help businesses cope with the COVID-19 situation by providing:

  1. A three-month extension of the levy payment timeline to small-and-medium size enterprises (SMEs)1 with immediate effect, for more flexibility in their cash-flow management;
  2. Levy waiver for up to 90 days with immediate effect for foreign workers on overseas leave; and
  3. Man-Year Entitlement (MYE) refund for construction firms affected by disruptions arising from COVID-19, with effect from 1 April.

In addition, firms with excess manpower are urged to prioritize locals to be retained in their jobs. These firms should also give consent for their existing foreign workers to be transferred other employers facing manpower shortages.

For the full details of each of the three measures, please refer to the link below.

1 SMEs refers to companies incorporated in Singapore employing not more than 200 workers.

—

Update: March 20th, 2020

Temporary housing support for employers affected by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order

What is the change?

With the implementation of a Movement Control Order which bans Malaysia citizens from going overseas and non-Malaysia citizens from entering Malaysia between 18 March 2020 and 31 March 2020, local employers are making efforts at short notice to house in Singapore, affected workers who commute across the Singapore-Malaysia border frequently.

To help employers defray the additional costs of housing affected workers in short-term housing, eligible employers can apply for temporary housing support of $50 per affected worker per night, capped at 14 nights to cover the extra housing costs incurred. Affected workers refer to workers who:

  • Are Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents or Work Pass holders who are Malaysia citizens;
  • Reside in Malaysia and commute to Singapore; and
  • Are housed in Singapore in hotels, dormitories or rented accommodation between 18 March and 31 March 2020.

Employers who wish to apply for the temporary housing support can submit their applications on the MOM website from 1 April 2020. Conditions will include ensuring that their employees are in employment between 18 March 2020 and 31 March 2020. Applications should only be submitted after the affected worker has completed his/her stay in the short-term housing. More details will be released on the MOM website shortly.

—

Update: March 17th, 2020

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets out guidelines for employers over employees’ travel during COVID-19 outbreak

What is the change?

The MOM, together with the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation, on Monday, 16 March 2020 issued an advisory for employers on how they should handle their employees’ travel movements in response to COVID-19.

Provide additional leave if travel for work cannot be avoided

For work-related travel plans, employers should review and defer all non-essential travel. They should instead explore alternative ways of business communications such as video-conferencing.

However if work-related travel cannot be avoided, employers must ensure that their employees’ health is adequately protected in accordance with MOH guidelines.

In addition, employers are expected to provide additional paid leave to the employee concerned. This is to cover:

  • Quarantine or self-isolation period imposed by the destination country on the employee;
  • Delay in employee’s return to Singapore, due to circumstances such as flight availability, need for MOM’s pre-entry approval to allow for orderly return of foreign employees;
  • Mandatory Stay-Home Notice (SHN) or company-imposed letter of absence (LOA) that the employee may be required to serve upon his return to Singapore.

Employers should also accede to employees’ request not to take on work-related travel, said the advisory, adding that employees should not be penalised for making such requests.

Non-work related travel

Employers should remind employees of MOH’s travel advisory to defer all non-essential travel plans to all countries. Employers should also obtain a travel declaration from their employees on whether they have any upcoming overseas travel plans to—including, but not limited to—the affected areas covered by mandatory SHN requirements.

More information on the latest advisory for employers on employees’ non-essential travel can also be found here.

Health clearance requirements for entry to Singapore

What is the change?

From 16 March 2020, 23.59 hours, all short-term visitors who are nationals of any ASEAN country1 must submit requisite information on their health condition for clearance before their intended date of travel into Singapore.

All applicants must ensure that their applications have been approved by Singapore’s MOH before their travel to Singapore.

Approved applications will be verified by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Singapore checkpoints. Short-term visitors who arrive in Singapore without the necessary approval, or proof of the place where they will serve the 14-day Stay-Home Notice, or do not meet prevailing entry requirements, will be denied entry into Singapore.

Submitting the Health Clearance Application

Those intending to visit Singapore are to submit the required information at <a href= »go.gov.sg/healthclearance » target= »_blank »>go.gov.sg/healthclearance</a>.

Processing time for all applications is between 14 to 21 days, and the outcome of the application will be sent to the email address provided. Approvals are valid for 14 days from date of approval.

1 ASEAN countries besides Singapore:  Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.

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