Singapore — Following the latest set of curbs for companies in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors (CMP), more delays on projects are expected.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced new restrictions last Saturday (Dec 4) relating to employers in the CMP sectors and applications for their workers to enter Singapore through the vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs).
Said stricter measures are being taken amid the Omicron Covid-19 variant, of which three imported cases have tested positive for in Singapore (two confirmed and one preliminarily).
Due to the shortage of manpower, construction companies have expressed difficulty planning for existing and upcoming projects.
“We had planned to employ more foreign workers via the VTL as they are able to enter Singapore quicker, but this plan has been disrupted,” said chief executive of Hitomo Construction, Serene Pan, to The Straits Times.
“The majority of our projects are on hold. We have already declined some inquiries on new projects,” noted the director of StarCity Construction, Xu Changcheng.
Executive director for the Singapore Contractors Association, Louise Chua, highlighted that removing the VTL option as a way for workers to enter Singapore “compounds the challenges of the acute manpower shortage.”
Furthermore, “additional costs of bringing in workers through these programmes will continue to be incurred, and we hope the Government can look into further support for contractors on this front.”
Meanwhile, members from the online community highlighted that it was not only the construction sector facing difficulties.
“It’s all skilled workforces that’s facing this problem. MOM increasing headcount for hiring of such industry’s workers is making it even worse. Got work, not enough workers, got workers not enough work,” commented Facebook user Eddie Ng.
One Paul Nah noted that the land VTL came into effect on Nov 29. “It cannot be that the employers were relying on VTL between Johor and Singapore to ease their manpower issue. A lack of planning, foresight and business acumen.”
“Open VTL for leisure travellers but not for labour crunch construction sector, what is the logic?” asked netizen Ris Do, taking a more broad observation on the situation.
Beginning Dec 5, employers of S Pass and work permit holders in the CMP sectors can no longer make new applications for employees to enter Singapore through VTLs.
MOM announced that the new rule includes employers of other dormitory-bound work pass holders.
Meanwhile, Malaysians and female work pass holders are still permitted entry via VTLs, although required to adhere to prevailing health protocols.
S Pass and work permit holders in the CMP sectors and other dormitory-bound workers will now need to apply for entry through the work pass holder general lane if they did not obtain VTL approval earlier on. /TISG
Read related: MOM: Non-Malaysian work permit or S pass holders in CMP sectors can no longer enter S’pore via VTL
https://theindependent.sg/mom-non-malaysian-work-permit-or-s-pass-holders-in-cmp-sectors-can-no-longer-enter-spore-via-vlt/