In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced additional restrictions on foreign domestic workers entering Singapore.

According to a press release on March 15, all employers and employment agencies planning for their workers to enter Singapore must first obtain MOM's approval.

If the approval is granted, the worker must serve a 14-day Stay at Home Notice (SHN) upon entry into Singapore.

This will take effect from March 16, 2020 at 11:59pm.

Serving SHN while in Singapore

Upon receiving the approval letter, it must be sent to the worker, who is expected to display it to the airline staff before check-in and also to the Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority in Singapore.

For new workers, they must stay at alternate accommodation (e.g. dormitories, hostels) before being deployed for employment.

For returning workers, they can either stay at their employer's residential address or arrange for alternative accommodation.

Seeking approval

Entry approval can be done online.

Employers can use this link, while employment agencies can use this link.

Employers can also get the help of an employment agency to make an approval.

Parties applying for approval must do the following:

• Ensure that the worker has access to a local mobile phone to allow MOM to conduct checks during the SHN period.
• Ensure that the worker complies with the SHN.
• Ensure the worker has proper accommodation where they can serve the SHN without needing to leave.

Employers and employment agencies can seek assistance from MOM on accommodation arrangements.

S$60 daily for affected employers

MOM will support employers whose workers are affected by the new SHN requirements.

They can obtain a grant of S$60 daily per each affected worker.

Their levy will also be waived for the duration of the SHN.

This only applies if the worker stays at alternate accommodation for the SHN (i.e. not at the employer's residential address), and also under these requirements:

• The foreign domestic worker’s work pass application is submitted to MOM on or before March 15 2020.
• The foreign domestic worker has a valid work pass, and left Singapore on or before March 15 2020.

Top photos via Now Boarding Changi Airport and Ministry of Manpower./em>