Work Passes Cancelled and Employers' Work Pass Privileges Revoked for Breaching Leave of Absence Requirements

1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has revoked the work passes of 4 work pass holders and suspended the work pass privileges of 6 employers. They had been found to be in breach of the leave of absence (LOA) requirements put in place to manage the evolving COVID-19 situation.
   
   Background
   
   
2. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure that work pass holders placed on mandatory LOA abide by the requirements, MOM has been conducting regular random checks through inspections, telephone or video calls.
3. Between 4 February and 8 February, a total of 4 work pass holders were caught working at their workplaces during the period of their LOA. In addition, acting on information received, MOM found 2 Permanent Residents (PRs) also working at their workplaces during the period of their LOA. MOM will hold employers responsible for ensuring that those who need to be on LOA stay away from the workplace.
   
   Cancellation of Work Passes and Curtailing of Work Pass Privileges
   
   
4. MOM has revoked the work passes of the 4 work pass holders and they were repatriated within 24 hours. These workers have also been banned from working in Singapore permanently. MOM has also suspended the work pass privileges of all 6 employers for two years.
   
   Remind to All Employers and Employees
   
   
5. Employers are reminded that all work pass holders with recent travel history to mainland China are required to serve a mandatory 14-day LOA upon their arrival in Singapore. Employers should also comply with the advisory for their other workers with recent travel history to mainland China to be placed on 14-day LOA upon arrival in Singapore.
6. Employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that the employee behaves responsibly during the leave of absence. MOM will not hesitate to revoke the work passes and withdraw work pass privileges against errant employers or employees.
7. From 2359 hours, 8 February 2020, employers must obtain MOM’s approval for all work pass holders with travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days, before they can enter or return to Singapore. Employers who require assistance to secure accommodation for their employees can contact 1800-333-9999 or email MOM at mom_qops@mom.gov.sg. 
8. Members of public who have any information on work pass holders or employers breaching the LOA requirements can email MOM at: mom_qops@mom.gov.sg or call us at (65) 6438 5122.