Movement restrictions ease for migrant workers

Workers can also book an Exit Pass to visit their dorm’s assigned centre.

Eligible migrant workers in all dormitories will be allowed to visit Recreation Centers (RCs) on their rest days starting 31 October as part of the overall measures to safely ease restrictions for migrant workers, announced the Assurance, Care, and Engagement (ACE) group under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

This goes after more than two months of trials and with infection rates in dormitories and communities maintained at low levels.

Only recovered patients with immunity against COVID-19 and those who recently tested negative under the Rostered Routine Testing regime will be allowed to visit RCs.

“When there is greater assurance that COVID-19 transmission has been sustained at negligible levels, we will work with our stakeholders to review when dormitory residents could be allowed to visit other popular social and recreational spots beyond the RCs,” ACE Group chief Tung Yui Fai said.

Eligible workers will be able to access amenities and services such as F&B outlets, minimarts, telecommunications shops, barbers and remittance services at the RCs. They will also be allowed to meet with their friends for activities in the RCs’ communal facilities, with strict safe management measures in place.

They can also book an Exit Pass via SGWorkPass mobile app to visit their dormitory’s assigned RC for up to seven days in advance. Dormitory operators and RCs are required to check for valid Exit Passes before allowing entry.

To date, around 30,000 migrant workers from over 300 dormitories have booked Exit Passes as part of the trials.

Several additional measures are also put in place at RCs to protect the workers, such as staggered visits to mitigate possible overcrowding and controlled number of Exit Passes being issued per timeslot.

Furthermore, MOM has worked closely with sector agencies and employers to stagger the rest days for workers in the Construction, Marine and Process sectors.

“We are pleased and heartened to see the initiatives taken by MOM to ensure the workers return to normalcy in a phased manner and this is a welcome step,” NGO ItsRainingRaincoats founder Dipa Swaminathan said.