IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) continues to implement measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Key points:

  • As of Feb. 26, employers must obtain entry approval from MOM for all work pass holders and their dependents with travel history within the last 14 days to mainland China or South Korea’s Daegu City and Cheongdo County who are planning to enter/return to Singapore, before beginning their journey. This applies to existing work pass holders, as well as in-principle approval holders. Upon arrival in Singapore, affected work pass holders will be placed in mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Employers must declare to MOM their ability to provide proper housing for SHN before obtaining entry approval. Employers must fulfill additional obligations to affected employees, and employees must fulfill obligations for their affected dependents.
  • Singapore citizens and permanent residents who have traveled to mainland China, Daegu City or Cheongdo County within the last 14 days are also subject to the SHN.
  • All other foreign national visitors who have traveled to mainland China, Daegu City or Cheongdo County within the last 14 days will be refused entry to Singapore.
  • As of Feb. 18, MOM has extended the Leave of Absence Support Programme (LOASP) to businesses and self-employed individuals affected by SHN requirements. Under the LOASP, eligible employers can apply for daily support of $100 for each affected worker for the duration of SHN. Affected workers include Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and work pass holders who traveled to mainland China on or before Jan. 31, 2020, and were then placed on SHN on their arrival in Singapore. Eligible employers also qualify for levy waivers for affected foreign workers for the duration of their SHN. Self-employed Singapore citizens and permanent residents who traveled to mainland China on or before Jan. 31, 2020, and were placed on SHN on their return to Singapore, can also apply for the daily support of $100.
  • A temporary measure to help companies in the manufacturing and service sectors facing staff shortages allows them to hire work permit holders from China (PRC) with the approval of their current employer in Singapore. (Normally, they would have to return to China before being hired.)
  • As of Feb. 23, the Ministry of Health is advising that travelers avoid all non-essential travel to Daegu and Cheongdo County in South Korea.

Background: Jurisdictions across the globe have implemented entry bans and other immigration restrictions in order to guard against the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In this regard, Singapore has issued a work pass application ban, tightened requirements for work pass holders with recent travel history in China, as well as other work pass-related measures.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the Covid-19 virus in Singapore and other countries continues to evolve. Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

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