Singapore’s Ministry of Health recently announced that some short-term pass holders are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 18, short-term pass holders (STPHs) who have been in Singapore for an extended period of time are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the country’s vaccination program.
    • Individuals on Special Passes, Training Employment Passes (TEP), Training Work Permits (TWP) or Work Holiday Passes (WHP) are eligible to receive the vaccination.
    • Short-Term Visit Pass holders who have been in the country for more than 60 days continuously are eligible for the vaccination program.
  • TEP, TWP, WHP and Special Pass holders do not need an appointment to receive the vaccination. Such individuals must bring their passport and applicable pass for verification purposes.
  • All short-term visit pass holders with registered phone numbers will receive a text message with a link to vaccine.gov.sg to book a vaccination appointment.

Additional Information: The COVID-19 vaccine will be provided for free to all eligible STPHs, but those individuals will not receive the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Program. The aforementioned groups will receive their vaccination status in the TraceTogether app in September or later. As of Aug. 16, 76% of people in Singapore are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 82% have received at least one dose.

BAL Analysis: The Singaporean government is extending the vaccination program to short-stay groups to further protect the country against COVID-19. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced new border measures to allow some individuals from high-risk countries to enter Singapore.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 10, fully vaccinated work-pass holders and their fully vaccinated dependents may travel to Singapore even if they have been in high-risk countries.
    • This change does not apply to travelers entering from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
    • Travelers from Brunei, mainland China (except Jiangsu province), New Zealand and Taiwan may enter the country without pre-entry approval or proof of vaccination. Such individuals must take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine until the results are received.
      • Travelers from Hong Kong, Jiangsu province, and Macao must carry out a 7-day quarantine but are not required to have pre-entry approval or proof of vaccination.
      • Travelers from Australia and Israel must have proof of vaccination; take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure and upon arrival; and carry out a 14-day quarantine and take additional COVID-19 tests at dedicated facilities.
  • Beginning Aug. 21, fully vaccinated travelers from Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, South Korea, and Switzerland may apply to carry out the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at home or another suitable location if:
    • They remained in one of the aforementioned countries for at least 21 days before entering Singapore.
    • There is no one else present in the location they choose to carry out the SHN, or all other household members are fully vaccinated with the same travel history and carrying out the same SHN.
  • Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if two weeks have passed since they received the last applicable dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Additional Information: Singapore citizens and permanent residents must submit their application three days prior to arrival via the SafeTravel website. Overseas-based Singaporeans and permanent residents can return to Singapore without entry approvals and are subject to prevailing travel health control measures that are determined by their 21-day travel history before entering Singapore. All travelers must present the SHN exemption approval when entering Singapore. Individuals over the age of 12 who are serving the SHN at home must wear an electronic monitoring device throughout the duration of the SHN.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will move online services for the new Dependent Pass (DP) and Long-term Visit Pass (LTVP) to the myMOM portal at the end of the month.

Key Points:

  • Employers will be able to submit applications for the new DP and LTVP on the myMOM portal on July 26.
  • Currently, employers can use the myMOM portal to submit new Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass applications in addition to issuing or cancelling all passes.
  • More services are expected to be added to the myMOM portal in the coming months.
  • Pass renewals are still administered under the EP Online system.

Additional Information: MOM has been moving various applications and services from the EP Online system to the myMOM portal over the past few months. The myMOM portal will allow employers or employment agents to access MOM online services in one centralized location once the EP Online system is fully transitioned.

BAL Analysis: Employers should submit all DP or LTVP applications in the EP Online system as soon as possible to avoid possible delays or complications when the transition is made. Any saved DP or LTVP application drafts in EP Online that are not submitted by July 23 will be deleted.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB) is delayed until further notice.

Key Points:

  • The ATB launch was delayed because the COVID-19 situation remains unstable in both countries.
  • Singapore and Hong Kong stated that they both remain committed to launching the ATB and continue to evaluate an appropriate launch date in relation with the public health situation.
  • The governments are set to meet in July to discuss target launch dates for the ATB.

Additional Information: Originally intended to take effect in December 2020, the ATB has been delayed multiple times due to COVID-19. Most recently, the countries had intended to open the ATB on May 26 but announced its postponement amid spikes in cases throughout the region. The ATB intends to incentivize travelers from Hong Kong and Singapore to get vaccinated. Once it is launched, vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to and from Hong Kong and Singapore with minimal restrictions.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Health announced that pre-departure testing requirements will be applied to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents on May 30.

Key Points:

  • Effective May 30, all Singaporeans and permanent residents must present a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of intended departure to the country.
  • All travelers will be required to present their PCR test results at appropriate checkpoints when they arrive in Singapore.
  • Those who arrive to Singapore without a valid negative PCR test will be denied entry.

Additional information: Travelers who have stayed in lower-risk countries and regions (Australia, Brunei, mainland China, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Macao) for at least 21 days before departure are exempt from the pre-departure testing requirements but are required to take a PCR test upon arrival or undergo a seven-day home quarantine.

Analysis & Comments: The pre-departure testing requirements now applies to all travelers entering or transiting through Singapore including Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Health will tighten border measures, quarantine policies and testing protocols for travelers arriving from Taiwan.

Key Points:

  • Effective May 17, Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders traveling to Singapore with travel history to Taiwan within 21 days before departure will serve a 14-day, stay-home notice (SHN) at a designated facility, followed by a seven-day stay at the traveler’s residence. PRC tests will be conducted upon arrival, day 14 of the SHN and before the end of the 21-day period.
  • Short-term travelers holding an Air Travel Pass with travel history to Taiwan within 21 days before departure to Singapore will be barred from entering the country.
  • Individuals with travel history to Taiwan within 21 days before departure who are not Singaporean citizens or permanent residents must provide a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure in order to enter the country.
  • All visitors with recent history to Taiwan who entered Singapore between May 15 and May 16 will be subject to COVID-19 PCR tests on day three and day seven of their arrival in Singapore.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that officials will reschedule entry dates for work pass holders with approved entry and will not process new entry applications for individuals from higher-risk countries.

Key Points:

  • Work pass holders from higher-risk countries who were previously approved to enter Singapore before July 5 will not allowed to enter the country except for:
    • Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders who already have entry approval; and
    • Migrant domestic workers who already have obtained entry approval.
  • Work pass holders previously approved for entry who are now barred will be rescheduled to arrive in a later week.
  • MOM also has stopped accepting new entry applications from higher-risk countries except for workers for key strategic projects.

Additional Information: Higher-risk countries refers to all countries and territories except Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Macao, New Zealand and Taiwan. The new policies will not affect work pass holders from lower-risk countries.

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 Singapore and 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Ministry of Health has announced it is extending the Stay-Home Notice period to 21 days for travelers from higher-risk countries.

Key Points:

  • Under changes that will take effect May 8:
    • All travelers arriving from high-risk countries (i.e., all countries and territories except Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, New Zealand and Taiwan) will be subject to a 21-day quarantine at dedicated SHN facilities.
    • Travelers who are currently serving the 14-day SHN and have yet to complete it by May 8 will be required to serve the additional seven days.
    • Individuals subject to the 21-day SHN will take a PCR test upon arrival in Singapore, on day 14 of quarantine and before the end of the 21-day quarantine.
  • Effective May 8, the period to assess border measures for recent travel history will be increased from 14 days to 21 days.

Additional Information: Travelers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the United Kingdom required to serve their 21-day SHN will have to do so at a dedicated facility. Those who have begun but not yet completed their SHN, however, will continue to serve the remainder of their SHN at their current location.

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 Singapore and 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The governments of Hong Kong and Singapore have announced that designated flights under the bilateral Air Travel Bubble (ATB) arrangement will begin May 26.

Key Points:

  • The two governments have imposed stringent restrictions on the ATB arrangement including, but not limited to:
    • ATB travelers should have no travel history to any place other than Singapore or Hong Kong 14 days prior to departure. Respective compulsory quarantine periods in Hong Kong or Singapore arising from the traveler’s last visit outside the two countries do not count toward the 14-day period.
    • ATB travellers departing from Hong Kong to Singapore are required to download, register and use Singapores TraceTogether mobile application.
    • Individuals departing from Singapore to Hong Kong must download and use the LeaveHomeSafe mobile application and retain relevant records for 31 days after departing Hong Kong.

Additional Information: To incentivize getting vaccinated, Hong Kong citizens traveling under the ATB can only take designated flights to Singapore 14 days after receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hong Kong and Singapore initially announced plans for an ATB in the fall of 2020. The plans were delayed in December, however, because of an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Singapore has moved to halt entry to long- and short-term pass holders who have traveled to India.

Key Points:

  • The entry ban took effect April 24 and will apply to pass holders who have been in India in the past 14 days.
  • The ban will cover those who have transited through India, including those who had obtained prior approval to enter Singapore.
  • Additional information is available here.

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 Singapore and 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.