Maids returning from Indonesia, other Category III countries, can serve SHN at employer’s home

Singapore—Conditions for re-entry into the country are easing for domestic helpers returning to their place of employment. They can serve their stay-home notice there.

The relaxation applies to those coming from Category III countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam,  Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates as well as Indonesia, and also Category II countries including Australia, Brunei, and South Korea.

One condition is that they must be vaccinated.

The easing of rules starts at 11.59 pm on Oct 26 (Tuesday), said  the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Restrictions instituted during the pandemic have previously required maids to serve their stay home notice (SHN) in dedicated facilities at their employers’ expense. 

But starting tonight, if they come from Category II and III countries, they will be allowed to quarantine at their employer’s home, according to a CNA report. 

Domestic helpers from Category II countries are required to remain in quarantine for 7 days, and those coming from Category III countries must serve their SHN for 10 days.

They must also take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the last day of their quarantine.

The helpers are “strongly encouraged” to isolate themselves in a separate room for the duration of their SHN, as well as maintain minimal contact if there are unvaccinated people in their employer’s household.

The relaxation applies only to domestic helpers who previously worked for the same employer. Confinement nannies are not included under this arrangement. 

A full list of countries in each category may be found here, and countries listed under Category III, aside from Indonesia, include Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Earlier this month, Manpower Minister  Tan See Leng said in Parliament that more foreign domestic workers would be allowed to enter Singapore from Nov 1, if they are vaccinated.

New entry applications for vaccinated foreign domestic workers ;’/ have been accepted since Oct 15.

Families who have challenging caregiving needs, such as family members who are ill or elderly, would be given priority, said the Minister.

/TISG

Read also: Tan See Leng: From Nov 1, more vaccinated maids can enter SG

Tan See Leng: From Nov 1, more vaccinated maids can enter SG