IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has updated SHN requirements for both employees and employers.

Key Points:

  • Pass holders who have only been to the following countries/regions in the 14 days prior to their entry into Singapore can now complete their 14-day SHN at either a suitable place of residence that is occupied only by them or their family members, or at a hotel at their own cost: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Germany (applies to entry approvals granted from June 25), Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, mainland China, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.
  • The above pass holders are not allowed to complete SHN in dormitories or in premises that are occupied by non-family members. The SHN accommodation must fulfil the prevailing SHN advisory and guidelines.
  • Pass holders who have been to all other countries in the last 14 days prior to their entry into Singapore, are required to complete their 14-day SHN at a dedicated SHN facility to which the government will transport them on their arrival in Singapore.
  • From June 17, 11.59 p.m., pass holders arriving in Singapore will face the following charges for their 14-day SHN accommodation at dedicated facilities (S$2,000 including GST) and COVID-19 test (up to S$200 including GST). The responsibility for bearing the costs of a foreign employee’s SHN accommodation and COVID-19 test is defined as follows:
    • Existing work pass holders returning from overseas: For those who left Singapore for work, employers must bear the costs in full and may not pass on any of the cost to employees. For those who left Singapore for personal reasons, employers and employees can come to a mutual agreement on who bears the costs or how to share them. This arrangement also applies to employees who are affected by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO).
    • New work pass holders with in-principle approvals planning to enter Singapore for employment: For Work Permit holders, employers must bear the costs in full and may not pass on any cost to employees. For other work passes, employers and employees can come to a mutual agreement on who bears the costs or how to share them.

Background: Singapore implemented initial quarantine and travel restrictions, including the SHN, in March.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Government has announced several updates to its border measures including Stay-Home Notices (SHN).

Key Points:

  • From June 17, 11:59 p.m., travelers entering Singapore who remained in the following countries/regions in the last 14 consecutive days prior to entry, will no longer have to serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, mainland China, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
  • Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence. Long Term Pass holders may serve their 14-day SHN at a place of residence that they or their family members own or are sole tenants of, or in suitable accommodation such as a hotel (at their own cost). All other travelers entering Singapore will continue to serve their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.
  • From June 17, 11:59 p.m., all incoming travelers entering Singapore will be tested for COVID-19. The test will be scheduled a few days before the end of the SHN period, at a designated community testing facility. All those under SHN will receive an SMS notification informing them of the scheduled appointment slot and venue. They will have to travel from their place of residence to the designated testing facility and return immediately after the test, using their own private vehicle or designated transport. Public transport should be avoided.
  • From June 17, 11:59 p.m., all inbound and outbound travelers who enter or leave Singapore will be required to pay for their COVID-19 test, where applicable. In addition, all incoming travelers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, where applicable. Prevailing charges can be found here.
  • Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are still advised to defer all travel abroad. However, essential business and official travel will be permitted under Green/Fast Lane arrangements, which comprises the Singapore-China Fast Lane as of June 15.
  • All Long Term Pass holders will continue to require prior approval before entering Singapore, except for those returning under the Singapore-China Fast Lane arrangements.
  • Short-term visitors are still not allowed to enter Singapore, except those coming in under the Green/Fast Lane arrangements, or with special prior approval
  • Background: Singapore implemented initial quarantine and travel restrictions, including the SHN, in March.

Additional information: 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Singapore-China “fast lane” arrangement for travelers will begin Monday, June 8.

Key Points:

  • Approved travelers must take a COVID-19 swab test within 48 hours before departure.
  • Users of the fast lane between China and Singapore will bear the cost of the pre-departure PCR test, and obtain a certificate of having tested negative for the coronavirus.
  • Travelers must adhere to a controlled itinerary supervised by the host company or government agency for the first 14 days. They may not use public transportation for this purpose, with the exception of private hire cars, taxis or company transport.
  • This arrangement will initially be for travel between Singapore and the six Chinese provinces or municipalities⁠ of Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. For a detailed overview of the fast lane travel arrangements, please click here.

Additional information: The Ministry of Manpower has forced three workplaces to cease operations for having failed to implement adequate safe management measures, including having employees return to the office instead of allowing them to work from home. Employers have also been fined for breaching various safe management measures following the end of the circuit breaker.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has implemented additional changes, as businesses and government activities gradually resume. Nevertheless, MOM continues to restrict the entry of pass holders into Singapore.

Key Points:

Additional information: Authorities are rejecting requests for entry approval, and there are currently no indications of when these restrictions may be eased.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore is moving to reopen businesses and government operations after they were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

  • As of June 2, businesses will be allowed to resume activities in a phased manner:
    • For information on which businesses may resume, check here.
    • Businesses that are permitted to resume on-site operations on June 2 must declare their manpower details using the “Permissions and Manpower Declaration” link at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg within two weeks of resuming operations. The required details are: (1) the total number of employees/workers working on-site, and (2) The proportion of these employees/workers who are working part-time and/or shifts. The portal is now available to receive declarations.
    • Before resuming on-site operations, it is essential for each business to implement the Requirements for Safe Management at Workplaces, and comply with sector-specific advisories and requirements. More information can be found here.
  • As of June 2, the ICA will resume counter services in a limited and controlled manner, strictly for select services that cannot be completed online and by appointment only. Members of the public should continue to use ICA’s e-Services available at MyICA for passport application, identity card (IC) reregistration and Short-Term Visit Pass extensions. ICA will also arrange delivery of the IC and passport to residents who have applied for an IC under mandatory/optional IC reregistration, or applied for a passport, between Jan. 1 and May 31, and have not collected their IC or passport because of the circuit breaker. Applicants will not be charged for this delivery service. ICA will contact all affected applicants and provide them with the details of this service from mid-June to end of July.
  • As of June 2, limited appointment slots will be available at the Ministry of Manpower Services Centre (MOMSC) and the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
  • For those unable to secure an appointment at this time, MOM will automatically extend the expiry dates of notification letters to give pass holders more time to make an appointment. No hard copy letters will be issued for this extension. In the meantime, pass holders can remain in Singapore with their notification letters or card replacement letters. Those who telecommute or work in permitted services approved by the Ministry of Trade and Industry may use the letters as proof of the validity of their passes.
  • The following pass holders should not make an appointment at this time:
    • Those who require a medical examination for card registration should only make an appointment after completing the medical examination. Clinics will likely resume providing this service in Phase 2.
    • Those who are currently staying in dormitories designated as isolation areas are prohibited from making an appointment until after they are allowed to leave the dormitory.

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.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that employers must ensure work pass holders’ addresses and mobile numbers are updated in MOM’s online systems for contact tracing purposes.

Key Points:

  • Information for all work pass holders must be updated in both the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) and Employment Pass Online (EPOL) by 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29.
  • The requirement to provide work pass holder information includes:
    • Those relocated to stay in Temporary Living Quarters (TLQ).
    • Those affected by the Malaysia Movement Control Order who are currently staying in Singapore.
    • Those relocated from dormitories who are now staying at government-identified sites.

Additional information: MOM has sent the reminder to employers in an email circular, as many work pass holders have changed their place of residence owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes have recently been made to OFWAS to make it easier for employers to update worker addresses. Employers that have previously tried and were not able to update the information are directed to try again. If they continue to face problems updating OFWAS, employers should contact MOM_FWAS@mom.gov.sg and include a screenshot of the problem.

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.

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.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore has expanded isolation procedures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Singapore nationals, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore from all countries must now enter a 14-day period of isolation at dedicated Stay-Home Notice facilities.
  • If the number of returnees is greater than expected, Stay-Home Notice facilities may be prioritized based on the risk evaluation of returnees from certain countries or regions.
  • Returnees who ignored travel advisories and left the country on or after March 27, will have to pay for their own 14-day isolation at dedicated Stay-Home Notice facilities.

Background: The most recent Stay-Home Notice expansion builds upon prior ones that mandated returnees from ASEAN countries, France, India, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States enter the same type of self-isolation.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Health has announced that travelers returning from ASEAN countries, as well as France, India and Switzerland, must complete their 14-day SHN quarantine in a hotel, rather than at home.

Key Points:

  • All Singaporean citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning from ASEAN countries, as well as France, India, and Switzerland, are required to complete their 14-day quarantine at a hotel. Affected travelers will be sent directly from the airport to a designated hotel.
  • The same policy remains in place for Singaporean citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning from the United Kingdom and the United States.

Background: The new SHN policy follows the original SHN directive issued last month for travelers returning from ASEAN and other 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 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.