Immigration update: Singapore | Coronavirus Disruptions
Coronavirus: Immigration Disruptions
The Ministry of Health (MOH) recently announced that additional measures will be implemented in an attempt to further minimise the risk of the spread of the Coronavirus.
Who will be affected?
Travellers will not be allowed entry or to transit through Singapore:
- All travellers who have been in mainland China in the last 14 days
- Travellers who are holding PRC passports
- Travellers who are holding PRC passports with previously issued short-term and multiple-visit visas
Travellers returning to Singapore will be placed on quarantine if they are:
- Residents (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) with recent travel history to mainland China in the past 14 days
- Long Term Pass holders (All Work pass categories, Student Pass, Dependant Pass, Long Term Visit Pass) with recent travel history to mainland China in the past 14 days
Employers will need to take note of employees who have recently travelled to mainland China and take measures to limit the possible spread of the Coronavirus.
Impact
As of 1 February 2020, 23:59hrs, new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China, within the past 14 days will not be allowed entry into or to transit through Singapore.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has also taken action to suspend previously issued visas and the issuance of all new visas to travellers with PRC passports. In addition, travellers holding PRC passports looking to transit from Singapore will no longer be able to experience visa-free transit facilities with immediate effect. These travellers will not be allowed entry into Singapore until further notice.
Implementation
These measures have already been implemented and will remain in effect until further notices are received from the authorities.
Santa Fe Analysis
As authorities have not stipulated any timeline for the additional measures implemented on travellers, these travellers should refrain from making travel plans to Singapore until further advice is received from the relevant government bodies.
For employers, it is advised to keep assignment start dates flexible for affected travellers and also to keep business travels to Mainland China to a minimum.
For latest information about the coronavirus, kindly visit the following:
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Ai Leng Chew
Immigration Manager – Singapore
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 3004
M: +65 9178 5206
E: aileng.chew@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operation
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7990 021125
E: robert.day@santaferelo.com
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