Since the pandemic is drastically changing how businesses run, getting the work permit Singapore pass for those looking for employment is going to get trickier. There is a strong need to keep the health risk towards workers to a minimum, and with the travel restrictions being imposed on other countries, it’s important to make sure that you’re up to speed. More importantly, if you’re a business owner or are self-employed, you need to make sure all your bases are covered so you can adjust accordingly during the pandemic. 

In order to process and/or renew that work permit or employment pass Singapore agencies regularly issue workers, you need to know the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In this article, we will talk about the things that you need to know. 

Whose visas are restricted?

As of March 2020, visas of all types are currently suspended for the following passport holders, as well as the visa-free transit facility for passport holders from the following countries: 

• People’s Republic of China (PRC)
• Iran
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain

Right now, this means that you cannot apply for a work permit Singapore pass if you come from these countries. However, if you are, or if you’re currently employing passport holders from these countries, there’s no need to fret. Visitors from the previously mentioned countries who have already have a visa or employment pass Singapore permit in the form of the following can still enter the country, as long as they go through the 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) quarantine period:

• Dependent Pass
• Long-term Visit Pass
• Student Pass
• Work Pass

Bear in mind that businesses with employees returning with an employment pass Singapore permit issues must seek approval beforehand. This also includes employees who want to bring their dependents not currently working in Singapore.

Whose work visas can be renewed?

If you think your visa is close to expiring and you can’t make it in time, there’s no need to worry. Those looking to renew the work permit Singapore document can do so by taking note of the following requirements:

• Work Permit – must be renewed at least six weeks before expiry;
• Dependent Pass, S Pass, Employment Pass, Long-term Visit Pass, EntrePass – must be renewed at least six months before expiry

In order to be eligible for renewal, be sure to coordinate with the MOM to facilitate the process and renew that much-needed employment pass Singapore document for workers.

Can you still get visa and employment permits?

In order to get and/or renew a work permit Singapore has previously issued, businesses in Singapore need to coordinate with the MOM. Once the MOM approves, an approval letter is issued to the employee and should be presented upon arrival at the airport to both airline staff and immigration officers.

Visitors also need to go through the same process as those with short and long-term visit passes. For those coming from ASEAN countries, submitting health information is required as part of their criteria.

Are you eligible for a support program?

Businesses and self-employed persons affected by the new requirements for Leave of Absence/Stay-at-Home Notice (LOA/SHN) can take advantage of the fiscal incentives available, depending on the number of employees. Affected workers are eligible to receive up to S$100 (US$69). 

The following criteria must be met for eligible employees and employers:

• Singaporean citizen/permanent resident/work pass holder;
• Recently returned from South Korea after February 26, 2020;
• Recently returned from Iran, South Korea, or northern Italy (Lombardy, Giulia, Friuli-Veneza, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sudtirol) after March 4, 2020;
• Recently returned from Italy, France, Spain, or Germany after March 15, 2020;
• Recently returned from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, or from ASEAN countries after March 16, 2020.

To apply, businesses and employers must do so within 90 days of the end of their LOA/SHN. They must also submit proof of the affected workers’ travel to the aforementioned regions, such as airline tickets, scanned photos of passports, and stamps for entry and departure.

On top of this, keep in mind that companies with work-from-home employees are ineligible for this incentive. This only applies to those who both work in Singapore and have a valid work permit Singapore companies provide.  

Apply with us today!

Your dream of living and working in Singapore need not be put on hold. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer yourself, there’s always a way to realize your success and transform your life for the better, and getting that employment pass Singapore agencies issue should not be a hassle. We at RenAi Group can help you with that.