With 168 imported Covid-19 cases over the past week, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) have decided to implement additional precautionary measures to keep the coronavirus outbreak under control in Singapore.
From 11.59pm on Sunday (29 Mar), all Long-Term Pass (LTP) holders are required to seek permission from ICA or MOE before entering Singapore.
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These include holders of Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Student’s Pass (STP), as well as those who have been granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) for an LTP.
In a media release by ICA, all LTVP holders must obtain ICA’s permission before they commence their journey to Singapore. This includes those who have been granted IPA as well.
They can do so by emailing their application for entry to ICA_nCoV_request@ica.gov.sg.
MOM-issued LTVP holders, including spouses, step-children, handicapped children or parents of Employment Pass or S Pass holders will also have to obtain MOM’s approval for entry.
STP holders, including those granted IPA must also obtain MOE’s permission before entry into Singapore.
MOE will take into consideration the course that the student is enrolled in, and prioritise entry approval for those studying in publicly-funded Institutes of Higher Learning.
Students should submit their application to their respective educational institutions, which will then forward their application to MOE.
LTP holders who are granted permission will be issued an approval letter of entry by ICA for LTVP holders, or by MOE for STP holders.
The approval letter is valid for 2 weeks and has to be shown to airline staff upon check-in at departure airports, and to an immigration officer upon arrival in Singapore.
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LTP holders who arrive in Singapore without a valid entry approval will not be allowed to clear immigration. They will subsequently be asked to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours, at their own cost.
Failure to comply will lead to ICA cancelling their pass or rescinding their IPA.
You can refer to the full ICA press release here.
Currently, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all new and existing Work Pass Holders – including dependants – who are not in Singapore to obtain MOM’s approval before commencing their journey into the country.
This applies to existing Work Pass holders currently out of Singapore and those who have been granted IPA for a Work Pass who have yet to enter the country.
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Employers have to apply for entry approval using MOM’s online facility here.
Work Pass holders who arrive in Singapore without a valid entry approval will not be allowed to clear immigration and will be asked to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours, at their own cost.
They will have their Work Pass revoked and be barred from future employment in Singapore.
All travellers granted entry approval will receive a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore. Authorities may conduct surprise house visits and phone calls to ensure they are complying with the regulations.
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On top of entry approval, travellers are also reminded to submit a health and travel declaration form via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before they arrive in Singapore.
False or misleading declarations are punishable by law, with fines of up to $10,000, a jail sentence of up to 6 months, or both.
For all incoming travellers to Singapore, do be mindful of these new requirements so as not to get into unnecessary trouble.
For more details, please contact ICA or visit their site here.
As always, safety first.
Featured image adapted from Head Topics.
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