IMPACT – HIGH

What is the news? The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has revoked the work passes of four work pass holders and suspended work pass privileges of six employers.

What does the news mean? MOM sanctioned the employers and employees, including two permanent residents, after discovering they were in breach of the leave of absence (LOA) requirements recently implemented as part of the ongoing effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work passes and other employment-related permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals placed on mandatory LOA owing to recent travel history in China, and their employers.
  • Business impact: Companies that do not adhere to LOA requirements face a two-year suspension of their work pass privileges.
  • Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions in response to the evolving coronavirus situation.

Background: As part of ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus, MOM recently implemented a mandatory 14-day leave of absence for all workers returning to Singapore from China.

Analysis & Comments: Employers are reminded that sanctions are harsh for all breaches of the LOA policy, and that MOM is conducting random inspections to enforce it. MOM has revoked the work passes of four foreign national employees discovered working at their places of work, though on LOA, and deported and permanently banned them from working in Singapore. Further, MOM has revoked work pass privileges for the six employers involved in the LOA breach for two years. Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

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