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MOM Entry Approval and Stay-Home Notices Extended to Italy, France, Spain and Germany

Employment practices Foreign manpower Work passes and permits
  1. In view of the surge in the number of confirmed cases around the world, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce will implement additional precautionary measures to slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

    MOM's Entry Approval

  2. With effect from 15 March 2020, 2359 hours, MOM will require all work pass holders (including dependants) with travel history to Italy, France, Spain and Germany within the last 14 days and planning to enter/return to Singapore, to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey. This is regardless of the nationality of the work pass holder. The entry approval requirement applies to:  
       
    a. Existing work pass holders currently out of Singapore; and
     
    b. In-Principle Approval holders who have yet to enter Singapore.
     
  3. Upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable premises to house these entering/returning employees for the duration of their SHN.
  4. Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. Employers should inform their affected employees (including their dependants) not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM. The employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in and at the ICA checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.
  5. The entry approval requirement for work pass holders (including dependants) with travel history to mainland China, Iran and South Korea within the last 14 days, remains unchanged.

    Stay-Home Notice Requirements
  6. Employers and work pass holders have a joint duty to ensure that the SHN is complied with. Work pass holders who have been put on a SHN shall not leave their place of residence. They should monitor their health closely and seek medical attention immediately if they develop any fever or symptoms of acute respiratory illness such as cough or shortness of breath.
  7. Work pass holders on SHN can make their own arrangements to procure their daily necessities, such as meals and daily essentials. This could include requesting their house or dormitory mates to help procure these for them or ordering home delivery services. Employers are responsible to ensure that their work pass holders on SHN can obtain meals and other daily essentials. If the work pass holder is unable to make his own arrangements, the employer will have to make the necessary arrangements. If support from employers is not forthcoming, work pass holders should report their difficulties to MOM.
  8. MOM will not hesitate to take enforcement measures against errant employers or employees who do not comply with the requirements set out above, including the revocation of work passes and withdrawal of work pass privileges.

    Precautionary Testing For All Symptomatic Work Pass Holders Entering/Returning To Singapore
  9. Since 4 March 2020, work pass holders (including dependants) entering Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness are required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the checkpoint, regardless of travel history. With immediate effect, all such work pass holders (including dependants) will also be issued a 14-day SHN, which they will have to serve in full even if the result of the swab test is negative. Those who meet the clinical suspect case definition will be conveyed to the hospital for follow-up.
  10. Work pass holders (including dependants) who refuse testing may have their immigration facilities and work pass privileges revoked or the validity shortened. Those who do not comply with the testing or who cannot be contacted subsequently may face penalties and can be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.
  11. Employers are advised to inform their work pass holders who are overseas that they may be required to undergo a swab test when they enter or return to Singapore.

    Further Advisory
  12. Employers and employees should closely monitor COVID-19-related developments and comply with both the travel and health advisories on the MOH website. Employees are urged to cooperate with their employers.
  13. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, there may be additional requirements imposed on work pass holders from time to time. While MOM will publicise these requirements widely, it may not be possible to inform every employer or employee directly about each new set of requirements. Employers and employees are strongly advised to check the MOM’s website (http://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19) for the latest advisories.
  14. For further queries or clarifications, please contact:
    a. Ministry of Manpower 
    MOM Contact Centre
    Online Enquiry via this link: www.mom.gov.sg/feedback 
    Website: www.mom.gov.sg

    b. Ministry of Health
    MOH Emergency Line, Tel: (65) 1800 333 9999
    Online Enquiry via this link: https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
    Website: www.moh.gov.sg