The COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

New cases have been cropping up every other day, most of which have stemmed from existing confirmed cases.

For instance, the Grace Assembly of God church cluster.

It has affected retailers and businesses and is definitely disruptive to our everyday lives.

We’re so worried about what is going on within our country that we don’t stop to think about those who are abroad that’re trying to get back into Singapore.

Sorry, but the Ministry of Manpower says: #nope.

400 Applications to Re-enter S’pore from Work Pass Holders Who’ve Been to China Rejected Daily

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that they have rejected as many as 400 applications to re-enter Singapore from work pass holders with travel history to China every day.

Yeap, not even in total or overall, but every single day.

This has been going on since the new measure was implemented in order to try to contain the spread of the COVID-19, according to Manpower Minister Josephine Teo.

Since the start of the week, employers have had to request approval from the ministry in order to allow work pass holders who have been in mainland China recently to return to Singapore.

Mrs Teo took to Facebook to announce the details, “In the first week of implementation, we approved about 200 applications daily for planned arrivals. During the same period, we rejected about 400 applications daily.”

One of the main reasons why so many people were rejected was because of the lack of accommodation for returning workers to carry out their Leave of Absence.

“The two key reasons for rejecting the applications are the need to stagger workers’ return to Singapore, and employers not being able to arrange for accommodation for returning workers to comply with Leave of Absence.”

Work Passes Revoked For Those Who Fail To Comply

It looks like the government is taking things very seriously and it’s no wonder given the severity of the situation.

Thus far, four work pass holders have been caught red-handed working despite being ordered to take Leave of Absence. Two others entered Singapore without seeking approval beforehand.

All four have had their work passes revoked and can no longer work here. The employers, on the other hand, have had their work pass privileges suspended.

Mrs Teo added that she understands the “anxiety” employers must be feeling and gave her assurance, “During this period, my colleagues and I will try our best to address the concerns of employers and workers.”

MOM will provide assistance by helping employers find hotel or dorm operators where their workers can carry out LOTA.

It will also be giving $100 in daily support for employers whose employees are on LOA.

“To be fair to the employees, we also encourage employers to treat the LOA as paid leave.”