89 WP holders banned from working in Singapore over entry approval and SHN breaches

As of 21 March 2020, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has revoked the work passes of 89 work pass holders for breaching entry approval and Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements. These 89 workers have been permanently banned from working in Singapore.

In addition, MOM has also suspended the work pass privileges of employers for periods ranging from one to three years, as they have failed to discharge their duties to ensure that their employees comply with the LOA/SHN requirements.

Of the 89 work passes revoked:

• 73 work pass holders with travel history to COVID-19 affected countries entered Singapore without obtaining entry approval from MOM.

• 16 work pass holders were caught breaching the Leave of Absence (LOA) or SHN requirements. Some were caught working at their workplaces. Others were caught leaving their place of residence during the period of their LOA/SHN, even when instructed not to do so. Many of these violations occurred during the first month following the imposition of the SHN requirement. In the second month, the number of violations fell to four.

Employers are reminded that entry approvals and SHN are now required for work pass holders entering Singapore from anywhere in the world, and travel plans should not be made until approval has been obtained from MOM. Upon the employee’s arrival in Singapore, they will be required to serve a mandatory 14-day SHN. Employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that employee behaves responsibly during the SHN.

Information on work pass holders or employers breaching the SHN requirements can be shared here.

Photo / iStock