Immigration update: Singapore | New entry applications for work pass holders stopped from high risk countries

New entry applications for work pass holders stopped from high risk countries

COVID 19 – Singapore stops accepting new entry applications for work pass holders from high risk countries

Who will be affected?

All inbound travellers except those from Australia, Brunei, China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Implementation

Temporary cessation of all new entry approval applications until further notice and withdrawal of approved entry applications

In view of the need to reschedule the entry of work pass holders who had already obtained approval to enter, the MOM will not be accepting new entry applications from high-risk countries/regions with immediate effect, except for workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural work where the MOM will continue to allow entry.
Work pass holders from high-risk locations who earlier received approval to enter Singapore before 5 July 2021 will no longer be allowed to do so, except for migrant domestic workers and those in the construction, marine shipyard and process industry.

Refunds for prior payments made by the affected pass holders/employers will be made within one month by the authorities.

Increase of the initial 14 days quarantine to 21 days quarantine

From 8 May 2021, all inbound travellers who have spent the last 21 consecutive days overseas; except those from Australia, Brunei, China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau will have to go through a 21-day SHN at dedicated facilities (with those from Fiji and Vietnam allowed to finish the last 7 days of the 21 days at home).

Additional Implementation

These latest changes will not affect work pass holders who have been given approval or are seeking the green light to enter Singapore from lower-risk countries and regions under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and other approved travel lanes.

Pass holders serving the 21-day SHN will be subjected to two COVID-19 swab tests. In addition, pass holders who have not completed their 14-day SHN by 8 May 2021 are also subjected to the 21 days SHN and they must serve the remaining of their 21 days SHN at their current SHN accommodation.

The cost of the 21-day SHN at the SDF and the COVID tests is up to SGD3,200 including GST. A bill will be emailed to the personnel/representative who submitted the entry application within a month of the pass holder’s arrival in Singapore.
As the COVID-19 environment continues to develop, frequent revisions to immigration guidelines may take place and sometimes without prior notice.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Ai Leng Chew
Immigration Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 3004
E: Aileng.Chew@santaferelo.com

Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
D: +44 7990 021125
Email: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com

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