COVID-19: MOM issues exit guidelines for Malaysian employees

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Manpower has issued guidance to employers canceling work passes for Malaysian employees.

Key Points:

• Employers must complete an exit declaration form confirming that:
• The employee and employer have both agreed to end the employment.
• The employer 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.
• Employees must show the acknowledgement email and attachment, which will be sent to them after the form is completed, to the immigration officer before leaving Singapore.
• Once an employee has left Singapore, employers must notify MOM if they wish to cancel the work pass.

Background: Employers should inform employees that they may require a medical certificate certifying that they are fit to travel (e.g., that they do not display COVID-19 symptoms) when entering Malaysia. Employers are not obliged to provide housing for their Malaysian employees after April 14, but may mutually agree with them on housing arrangements. To qualify for a levy waiver for Malaysian employees who were on unpaid leave in Singapore until April 14, employers should use this form.

Analysis & Comments: Employers are advised to check Work Permit (WP) Online and Employment Pass (EP) Online regularly for further work pass updates and requirements. 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.

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