S'pore to stop accepting new entry applications for work pass holders from higher risk countries

Domestic workers with prior approval will be allowed entry.

Jason Fan | May 08, 2021, 03:17 AM

Singapore is reducing entry approvals for work pass holders in the coming weeks, in view of the resurgence of Covid-19 cases and emergence of new virus variants in several countries.

This is excluding workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural works, who will continue to enter Singapore, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday (May 7).

Migrant domestic workers with prior approval can enter

MOM will reschedule entry into Singapore from Tuesday (May 11) onwards for work pass holders from higher risk countries or regions who have already obtained approvals.

This refers to all countries and regions excluding Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, as of May 7 2021.

Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders who have earlier obtained approval will be allowed entry as approved, except for a small group of workers who have their planned arrivals prior to June 7, who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.

Migrant domestic workers with prior approval will be allowed entry, except for those with planned arrivals prior to June 7, who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.

All other work pass holders who obtained approval to enter Singapore prior to July 5 will not be allowed to enter.

According to MOM, employers will be informed on when to re-apply for entry for their workers when the situation has stabilised, and they will be prioritised for entry approval then.

Workers needed for key projects may still apply

In addition, MOM will be not be accepting new entry applications from higher risk countries or regions with immediate effect, except for workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural works.

This is because of the need to reschedule the entry of work pass holders who had already obtained approval to enter.

MOM said they will be reaching out to affected work pass holders and their employers of the changes to their entry, starting May 7.

These changes will not affect work pass holders already given, or are seeking entry approval to enter Singapore from lower risk countries or region, under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and other approved travel lanes.

Top image via Ministry of Manpower/FB.