MOH limits entry of work pass holders for needed services

It has shut entry of short-term visitors partly to conserve resources.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will only allow the entry or return of work pass holders and their dependents for those providing essential services such as healthcare and transport, according to a news release.

At the same time, MOH has closed entry or transit through Singapore for all short-term visitors from anywhere in the world. The government sought to conserve resources to focus on Singaporeans.

Previously, short-term visitors from most countries were allowed to come into Singapore, save they were issued a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival.

“This meant, however, that resources were being expended to serve and enforce SHNs on them, and if they fell ill, to provide them with medical treatment. Yesterday, there were still 533 short-term visitors arriving in Singapore,” the ministry said.

The Singapore-Malaysia Special Working Committee has also agreed that Malaysians with Singapore work permits will continue to be able to work in Singapore during this period. The transport of all types of goods between Malaysia and Singapore will also be facilitated.

Nearly 80% of new COVID-19 cases in Singapore over the past three days were imported, most of them Singapore residents and Long Term Pass holders returning home, MOH noted.