SINGAPORE – Singapore will require all work and student pass holders to be fully vaccinated before arriving in the republic from November 1, according to the republic’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Covid-19.
The taskforce said this is to allow the necessary workers and students to enter Singapore’s borders in a safe and calibrated manner while minimising public health risk.
Speaking at a virtual MTF press conference today, Singapore’s director of medical services Kenneth Mak said the republic currently recognises individuals who have been vaccinated with vaccines on the World Health Organisation (WHO) emergency-use listing (EUL) list as fully vaccinated.
“In addition, of course, to the vaccines that we recognise in Singapore. That would be the guide: as long the vaccines are on the WHO EUL list. We would recognise these as meeting the requirements for being fully vaccinated,” said Mak.
The vaccination requirement includes dependents of work pass holders and holders on “in-principle approval” with a travel history to countries or regions classified under categories 1 and 2 and of risk.
However, it will not apply to those applying under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), but to those who are applying to enter Singapore via the Work Pass Holder General Lane and Student’s Pass Holder Lane.
MTF said the republic will also be resuming entry approvals for migrant domestic workers, and S Pass and work permit holders from the construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors, entering Singapore from higher risk – categories 3 and 4 – countries or regions.
Malaysia is one of the countries currently placed under category 4.
However, it will be on the condition that they have been fully vaccinated before arrival and do not have a travel history to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
These groups can start applying for entry approval from October 15, said the taskforce.
MTF said entry approvals will be limited in view of the evolving local and global Covid-19 situation, and the need to minimise importation risk.
Pass holders may have to wait about three to six months before they can enter Singapore, it said.
As for student pass holders, MTF said the vaccination condition for entry will not apply to those aged below 18 years old at the point of arrival.
Unvaccinated individuals aged between 12 to less than 18 years old at the point of arrival can enter without proof of vaccination, on the condition that they complete the full vaccination regimen within two months after they arrive in Singapore, it said.
Pass holders who are medically ineligible for vaccination may appeal for exemption from the vaccination requirement, supported by a doctor’s memo before applying for entry approval, it said. – Bernama, October 2, 2021
