IMPACT – HIGH

The government announced an entry ban for all short-term visitors. Further, only work pass holders employed in essential services can enter or return.

Key Points:

  • As of March 23, all short-term visitors will be barred from entering Singapore.
  • Work pass holders and their dependents entering or returning to Singapore may only enter if they work in a sector providing essential services such as healthcare or transport. All work pass holders and their dependents must obtain Ministry of Manpower (MOM) entry approval prior to returning to Singapore.
  • Singapore residents, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore will continue to receive 14-day Stay Home Notices (SHN).
  • Malaysians holding Singapore work permits may continue to work in Singapore.

Additional information: MOM is encouraging employers to impose Leave of Absence (LOA) on all employees who returned to Singapore between March 14 and March 20, and did not receive an SHN. Affected employers and the self-employed may claim S$100 per day for LOAs. MOM is taking breaches of entry approval, as well as SHN and LOA requirements, seriously, and have recently revoked 89 work passes and permanently banned workers involved in the breaches from working in Singapore.

Analysis & Comments: Employers are advised to adhere to entry approval, SHN and LOA requirements and should continue to anticipate disruptions and delays regarding employee mobility and availability. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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