As an island whose economy relies on open access, Singapore has successfully brought in international travellers through the reopening of its borders. In August this year, Singapore successfully vaccinated 80% of its population. With high vaccination rates and few COVID-19 fatalities, the island is unique even among countries and regions that have access to vaccines. For more information on the reopening of Singapore borders, click here.
According to the republic's Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on COVID-19, Singapore will require all Work Pass holders to be fully vaccinated before arriving in the country starting from November 1, 2021. This is said to allow for a safer border reopening and to minimise public health risks.
What this means for Work Pass holders
Now that borders have been reopened and travel restrictions are slowly lifted, more and more people can look forward to travelling to Singapore be it for work, travel or studies. And in hopes that Singapore regains its competitive edge, there has been an increase in Work Pass application approvals, easier entry approval processes, and a more attractive movement for business.
1) Increased Work Pass application approvals as Singapore hopes to regain the competitive edge
Singapore has an open and small economy that relies greatly on the connectivity it has with the rest of the world. Seemingly, the reopening of its borders is important for the island’s economy and business. Any more time spent closing the borders will pose a greater risk to Singapore’s economy and status as an aviation hub. Seeing how there are higher vaccination rates, Singapore will resume entry approvals for Work Pass holders and their dependants.
2) Easier process with entry approvals
To resume entry approvals, Singapore has adjusted its border measures to accommodate fully vaccinated Work Pass holders and their dependants. Before setting foot in Singapore, travellers must be fully vaccinated. And upon arrival, travellers must adhere to the prevailing requirements.
3) More attractive movement for business
Pass holders with approval under the Work Pass Holder General Lane (WPHL) must comply with the prevailing travel health control measures such as the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and COVID-19 tests. Employers and employment agencies that have submitted entry applications must pay for the pass holder’s entry charges and ensure that they comply with the prevailing measures.
Singapore’s Travel and Health Control Measures
Health measures are split into four categories (Category I/II/III/IV). For more information about each category, click here.
If pass holders have visited multiple countries in the past 14 days before arriving in Singapore, they must understand that the most stringent category out of all the countries or regions they have travelled to will apply. For instance, travellers who went to both Category (I) and (II) before departure, but transited to Category (IV) before travelling to Singapore will be subjected to Category (II) measures. However, if pass holders stayed in Category (I) country for at least 14 consecutive days before departure to Singapore, a pre-departure COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is not required. Pass holders aged three and above are also required to take the COVID-19 PCR test and Antigen Rapid Test.
For a more detailed explanation of the Travel and Health Control Measures, click here or consult with us.
With a more attractive movement for business, an easier process with entry approvals, and increased Work Pass application approvals, you can look forward to a more convenient move or travel to Singapore. If you have any immigration-related questions, feel free to send your questions, comments or requests to us by sending us an email. Stay tuned for more updates from our team at Transform Borders!