COVID-19: Singapore stops accepting new entry applications for work pass holders from higher-risk countries

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be making changes to the entry of work pass holders who have earlier obtained approvals to arrive from higher risk countries/regions from Tuesday 11 May 2021 onwards. As of 7 May 2021, high risk countries/regions refer to all countries/regions except Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.

The changes are as below:

Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders who have earlier obtained approval will be allowed entry as approved, except for a small group with planned arrivals in June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.
Migrant domestic workers who have obtained earlier approval will be allowed entry as approved except for some with planned arrivals prior to 7 June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.
Other work pass holders who obtained approval to enter prior to 5 July will not be allowed to enter. MOM will inform employers on when to re-apply for entry when the situation has stabilised and will prioritise them for entry approval then.

Accordingly, MOM will not be accepting new entry applications from higher risk countries/regions with immediate effect, except for workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural works who we will continue to allow entry.

There is currently no indication from MOM that they will stop processing new Work Pass Applications from higher risk countries/regions.

Employment & Immigration

Foreign nationals intending to enter Singapore to take up employment or to engage in business activities must obtain the relevant pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Here is everything you need to know about employment and immigration requirements in Singapore.