IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore has extended its lockdown, referred to as a “circuit breaker,” until June 1, and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has published changes to immigration services affected by the extension.

Key Points:

  • Card registration and collection: Pass holders who are unable to register or collect their card can remain in Singapore with their notification letter or card replacement letter. Work pass holders who telecommute or work in essential services approved by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) may use their letter as proof of pass validity.
  • Notification letters that will soon expire will be automatically extended.
  • Card delivery services are suspended until further notice.
  • Most passes expiring between May 6 and June 5 will be automatically extended until July 1. Passes that will not be extended include: Training Work Permits, Training Employment Passes, Work Holiday Passes and Personalised Employment Passes. Work pass holders can check new pass expiration dates online.
  • All pass holders will be given three additional months to complete their medical examination, and employers can proceed with having their passes issued without the examination.
  • Certification and safety requirements for certain workers will be waived during this time, and affected workers will have one month after the circuit breaker ends to obtain the required certification.
  • The Settling-in Programme (SIP) is suspended at this time; however, employers can proceed with obtaining work permits for affected workers.
  • The validity of in-principal approvals (IPA) will be extended two months.
  • Employers must continue to comply with work pass conditions during the extension period.
  • Employers who have canceled an employee’s pass, and the employee is unable to leave Singapore owing to travel restrictions, must request an extension of stay using the appropriate online form.

Background: Singapore moved most immigration services online last month following earlier travel restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.