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Updated News : Accommodating Workers Affected By Lockdown in Malaysia
A foreign worker, wearing a face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, looks out from a window of a workers' dormitory in Singapore on Apr 9, 2020. (Photo: Roslan RAHMAN / AFP)
source from CNA.
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In view of Malaysia’s announcement to implement a Movement Control Order, many companies are making efforts to house in Singapore, workers who commute across the Singapore-Malaysia border frequently.
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Companies can encourage affected workers to stay with their relatives, friends or colleagues, who may be willing to accommodate them for a short period. This may be the option most amenable to some workers.
Range of Options Available for Companies
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For workers who cannot stay with relatives, friends or colleagues, the Government has worked with the private and public sectors to make available a range of short-term housing options:
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Hotels/Dormitories: There is a range of hotel/dormitory options currently available.
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Accommodation, such as rooms and whole property in both the HDB flats and private residential property market.
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We advise employers to assess their manpower needs carefully and make a considered decision as to whether they need their affected workers to remain in Singapore. In providing assistance, we will prioritise the needs of firms that provide essential services such as healthcare, security, cleaning, waste management, facilities management, logistics and transport.
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The Government is looking into providing financial support for companies that need to urgently accommodate their affected workers, and will release more details shortly. The Government will also be working with the hotel/dormitory providers on providing lower cost rentals. Our objective is to minimise any impact on the delivery of services for our people.
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In view of the surge in the number of confirmed cases around the world, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce will put in place further precautionary measures to limit the risk that affected regions may pose to Singaporeans.
MOM's ENTRY APPROVAL
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With effect from 4 March 2020, 2359 hours, MOM will require all work pass holders (including dependants) with travel history to South Korea, northern Italy1, or Iran within the last 14 days and planning to enter/return to Singapore, to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey. This is regardless of the nationality of the work pass holder. The entry approval requirement applies to:
a. Existing work pass holders currently out of Singapore; and
b. In-Principle Approval holders who have yet to enter Singapore. -
Upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable premises to house these entering/returning employees for the duration of their SHN.
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Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. Employers should inform their affected employees (including their dependants) not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM. The employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in and at the ICA checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.
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The entry approval requirement for work pass holders (including dependants) with travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days, remains unchanged.
STAY-HOME NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
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Employers and work pass holders have a joint duty to ensure that the SHN is complied with. Work pass holders who have been put on a SHN shall not leave their place of residence. 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.
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Work pass holders on SHN can make their own arrangements to procure their daily necessities, such as meals and daily essentials. This could include requesting their house or dormitory mates to help procure these for them or ordering home delivery services. Employers are responsible to ensure that their work pass holders on SHN can obtain meals and other daily essentials. If the work pass holder is unable to make his own arrangements, the employer will have to make the necessary arrangements. If support from employers is not forthcoming, work pass holders should report their difficulties to MOM.
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MOM will not hesitate to take enforcement measures against errant employers or employees who do not comply with the requirements set out above, including the revocation of work passes and withdrawal of work pass privileges.
PRECAUTIONARY TESTING FOR ALL SYMPTOMATIC WORK PASS HOLDERS ENTERING/RETURNING TO SINGAPORE
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With effect from 4 March 2020, 2359 hours, work pass holders (including dependants) entering/returning to Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness2 may be required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the checkpoint. They may carry on with their journey immediately after undergoing the test. However, pending the results, which may take between three and six hours, they are advised to minimise contact with others as a precautionary measure. Individuals will be contacted on their swab test results and those with positive results will be conveyed to the hospital in a dedicated ambulance.
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Work pass holders (including dependants) who refuse testing may have their immigration facilities and work pass privileges revoked or the validity shortened. Those who do not comply with the testing or who cannot be contacted subsequently may face penalties and can be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.
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Employers are advised to inform their work pass holders who are overseas that they may be required to undergo a swab test when they enter or return to Singapore.
FURTHER ADVISORY
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Employers and employees should closely monitor COVID-19-related developments and comply with both the travel and health advisories on the MOHwebsite. Employees are urged to cooperate with their employers.
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As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, there may be additional requirements imposed on work pass holders from time to time. While MOM will publicise these requirements widely, it may not be possible to inform every employer or employee directly about each new set of requirements. Employers and employees are strongly advised to check the MOM’s website (http://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19) for the latest advisories.