Singapore – Precautions Extended to Foreign Employees Traveling from Areas in South Korea

Singapore – Precautions Extended to Foreign Employees T

On 27 February 2020, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) extended the mandatory entry approval and 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) to companies bringing into Singapore foreign employees who travelled to Daegu City and Cheongdo County in South Korea within the last 14 days. The announcement was made in the wake of an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in these areas in South Korea.

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On 27 February 2020, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) extended the mandatory entry approval and 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) to companies bringing into Singapore foreign employees who travelled to Daegu City and Cheongdo County in South Korea within the last 14 days.1  

We have covered other recent developments in previous newsletters.2

WHY THIS MATTERS

The announcement was made in the wake of an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in these areas in South Korea.  The entry approval and Stay-Home Notice carry serious consequences if not complied with, so employers and affected employees must take these requirements very seriously. 

More Details

The requirements3 now apply to companies bringing in work pass holders of all nationalities, their dependents, and those with in-principle approvals who were in 1) Mainland China (outside of Hubei), and 2) Daegu City and Cheongdo County, South Korea, within the past 14 days.

Foreign employees include those employed by a company with a Letter of Consent (LOC).

Foreign employees and their dependents serving the 14-day SHN:

  • must not leave their place of residence;
  • are required to reply to MOM’s phone calls, video calls, WhatsApp, or SMS within one hour;
  • must minimise contact with others and not admit any visitors to their residence;
  • must maintain a record of persons they come into close contact with; and
  • must follow the advisories issued by the Singapore government.4    

KPMG NOTE

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, there may be additional requirements imposed on work pass holders in the future.  Employers and employees are strongly advised to check the MOM’s website (http://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19) for the latest advisories.

FOOTNOTES

1  See “Entry Approval Requirement for Employers with Work Pass Holders with Travel History to Daegu City and Cheongdo County” on the Singapore Ministry of Manpower website.

See various advisories regarding COVID-19 from Singapore’s government.

2  Prior coverage of COVID-19-related developments in Singapore affecting global mobility.

3  Ibid.

4  See the government webpage “Additional responsibilities to bring pass holders who have travelled to the affected areas into Singapore”.

RELATED RESOURCE

New Thought Leadership from KPMG: “Coronavirus: Protect Your Staff and Your Business”

Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 situation, many companies have initiated business continuity planning to protect their staff and mitigate the impact on their business operations.  In light of the concerns around international assignees – including business travellers – in affected areas, the KPMG People Services team in the People’s Republic of China has developed a booklet (“Coronavirus: Protect Your Staff and Your Business” (February 2020)) highlighting the key considerations for these issues from high level tax, legal, and immigration perspectives.

*  Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not offer immigration services or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

 

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Singapore.

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GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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