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Update on Additional Measures by the Ministry of Manpower to Minimise the Risk of Community Spread of the COVID-19

Work passes and permits Workplace safety and health Foreign manpower
  1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) now constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
  2. In line with the additional precautionary measures announced by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will take further steps to limit the potential risk returning foreign workers from mainland China may pose to Singapore.

    New Work Pass Applications for Foreign Workers From Mainland China
  3. With immediate effect, MOM will reject all new work pass applications for foreign workers from mainland China until further notice. Renewal applications for existing work pass holders will not be affected.

    Returning Work Pass Holders With Recent Mainland China Travel History
  4. With immediate effect, work pass holders entering Singapore with travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days are required to take a 14-day leave of absence upon arrival in Singapore.
  5. Persons who have been put on a leave of absence should stay at home and avoid social contact. They should avoid crowded places and refrain from attending social or public gatherings. They should monitor their health closely, and seek medical attention immediately if they develop any fever or symptoms of acute respiratory illness such as cough or shortness of breath.
  6. Where appropriate, employees on leave of absence could also work from home, similar to telecommuting arrangements. Employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that the employee behaves responsibly during the leave of absence. MOM reserves the right to take action against the employer or employee, if they fail to discharge their duty.
  7. Existing work pass holders with Hubei-issued passports or with recent travel history to Hubei will continue to be quarantined upon their return to Singapore.

    Further Advisory
  8. Employers should closely monitor COVID-19-related developments and follow travel and health advisories on the MOH website. Employees are urged to cooperate with their employers. Both employers and employees should comply with advisories issued by MOH.
  9. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, there may be additional requirements imposed on work pass holders from time to time. While the Ministry will publicise these requirements widely, it may not be possible to inform every employer directly about each new set of requirements. Employers and employees are strongly advised to check the Ministry’s website for the latest advisories. Updates on the COVID-19 situation can also be found on MOH’s website.

  10. For further queries or clarifications, please contact:
    Ministry of Manpower
    MOM Contact Centre, Tel: (65) 6438 5122
    Online Enquiry via this link: www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
    Website: www.mom.gov.sg

    Ministry of Health
    MOH General Hotline, Te: (65) 6325 9220
    Online Enquiry via this link: https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
    Wesbite: www.moh.gov.sg