The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28 that effective immediately, it would be rejecting all new work pass applications from foreigners from the Hubei province in China until further notice.

This comes after three new cases of Chinese nationals from Hubei were confirmed in Singapore within the prior 24 hours.

Limit risk of travellers from Hubei to Singapore

In an update by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as of Jan. 28, 12pm, seven of the suspect cases have tested positive, while 91 of the suspect cases have tested negative.

Test results for the remaining 72 cases are still pending.

MOM said in the statement that all seven of the confirmed coronavirus cases in Singapore are Chinese nationals from Hubei, and 95 per cent of confirmed cases in China were people who were recently in Hubei, confirming that the virus has spread most widely in the province.

As a result, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce on the Wuhan coronavirus was taking further steps to "limit the risk that travellers to Hubei pose to Singapore".

As of Tuesday, Jan. 28, MOM had rejected 30 new applications, according to the release.

However, renewal applications for workers from Hubei already holding existing work passes will not be affected.

Returning work pass holders from Hubei

MOM said that work pass holders from Hubei who are overseas or who were in Hubei within the past 14 days should postpone their return to Singapore.

While these employees with valid work passes will still be allowed to enter Singapore, they will be quarantined either at home or other suitable facilities upon their return.

MOM also instructed employers to "be responsible" by asking their employees to defer their return until the situation stabilises or informing employees that choose to return to Singapore that they will be quarantined if they do so.

Employers should monitor situation

Employers are encouraged to closely monitor Wuhan virus-related developments and follow travel and health advisories for employees and employers on the Ministry of Health website.

In addition, MOM has advised employers to check the Ministry’s website for updates on requirements imposed on work pass holders as the coronavirus situation develops.

Top image via Facebook / Ministry of Manpower.

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