An alert received from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower underscored the need to maintain strict border controls for higher-risk countries/regions1, to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread.
To give employers time to apply for an entry approval to bring foreign employees and their dependents into Singapore, MOM will automatically extend2 (i.e. employers do not need to apply) the IPA validities of all foreign employees and their dependents from June 2021 onwards, subject to the following conditions:
- The IPA holders are outside Singapore.
- The IPA holders are from higher-risk countries/regions.
- The IPAs are expiring in the next month. For example, IPAs expiring in September will be extended in August.
- Each extension will be for a 6-month period.
- The total duration of IPA, from the day it is first given, will be capped at 1 year3.
Employers will be able to check the updated IPA expiry dates using EP Online or WP Online by the end of each month.
1 Higher-risk countries/regions refer to all countries/regions, excluding Groups 1 and 2 countries/regions listed on our COVID-19 page.
2 Auto-extension is applicable for IPA holders (approved for new application) only. Employers with IPA holders (approved for other reasons such as renewal/transfer) may write in to mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg to request for an extension if they meet the conditions above.
3 For foreigners who have been on IPA for at least 1 year, MOM has granted a final one-off 6-month extension. Please refer to Annex A for the list of such IPA holders for your firm.
Erickson Insights
Singapore has maintained strict travel restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 and has also had a successful vaccination campaign reaching nearly 80% of the population.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.