Covid-19: MOM cancels work passes of 2 employees who returned to Singapore without prior approval
As of Feb 8, 2020, all work pass holders who has travelled to China within the last 14 days and planning to enter or return to Singapore must obtain MOM’s prior approval before they can begin their journey.
SINGAPORE — Two work pass holders from different companies had their work passes revoked for breaching the entry approval requirements put in place by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
In a press statement on Thursday (Feb 13), MOM said that it has since suspended the work pass privileges of the two employers who hired the workers.
As of Feb 8, all work pass holders with travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days and planning to enter or return to Singapore are required to obtain MOM’s prior approval before they can begin their journey.
The ministry said that the employers of the two workers had applied for them to enter Singapore on Feb 11.
However, their applications were not approved, due to MOM’s efforts to ensure a manageable and orderly return of such workers.
Even though the employers were informed of the outcome at least 12 hours before the workers’ intended arrival, they still made the journey here and entered Singapore that day.
MOM has since ordered the employers to repatriate the workers within 24 hours. The workers have also been permanently banned from working here. As for their employers, MOM has suspended their work pass privileges for one year.
REMINDER TO ALL EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
MOM reminded employers that they are to seek the ministry’s approval by using the online application on its website for work pass holders with recent travel history to mainland China who wish to enter or return to Singapore.
Employers should also inform their workers not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been given by MOM.
Upon the workers’ arrival in Singapore, they must serve a mandatory 14-day leave of absence (LOA).
“Employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that employees behave responsibly during the LOA,” MOM said.
The ministry added that it will not hesitate to take enforcement measures against errant employers or employees who do not comply with the requirements.
