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SINGAPORE: A new business travel pass is being tested for select Singapore-based senior executives to enable them to fulfill their overseas job responsibilities.
Travelers using this pass must follow a strict itinerary and comply with various public health measures, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday (September 23).
The pilot initiative is ongoing and authorities have already started issuing these new group business travel passes to manage risks.
This is what you need to know:
1. CAN I APPLY FOR THIS PASS?
Currently, the pass is not open for applications as the scheme is still in its pilot phase. Instead, limited quantities are being issued progressively to those who meet the criteria.
According to the GoBusiness website, government and economic agencies are identifying a list of senior executives in Singapore with international or regional responsibilities who travel regularly for official and business purposes.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore to pilot a business travel pass for senior executives with regional and international responsibilities
Approval is also granted only if the authorities are satisfied that the person will comply with strict public health requirements and safeguards.
GoBusiness said that prior identification of travelers through economic agencies allows authorities to closely monitor these people and contact them quickly in case the parameters of the travel pass need to be adjusted.
2. SHOULD THESE TRAVELERS REPAIR A HOME NOTICE?
Upon returning to Singapore, these travelers will undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test instead of delivering a notice at home. These individuals will be required to self-isolate until the test results are published.
To limit the potential risk to public health, GoBusiness said only a small number of travel passes will be issued during the pilot phase.
Under current measures, travelers can already take a pre-departure PCR test in lieu of a stay-at-home notice under the Singapore-China fast track and when arriving in Singapore from Brunei and New Zealand.
3. WHAT PROTOCOLS SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
People with this business pass must follow a strictly controlled itinerary when traveling abroad for work. They will be asked to submit an itinerary of their meetings and activities, a list of the places they visit, and information on the contacts they find.
Before returning to Singapore, they must complete a health statement to confirm that they do not have any symptoms and that they have not found anyone infected with COVID-19.
Upon arrival in Singapore, they will undergo a PCR test at their own cost and will need to be isolated until a negative result is obtained.
GoBusiness also said that these travelers should use TraceTogether and avoid all forms of public transportation within 14 days of returning. Those who violate these health protocols will be removed from the pilot and their travel pass will be revoked.
4. WHERE CAN PASS HOLDERS TRAVEL?
Senior executives will be able to travel to a variety of countries, as this business pass is not country specific. However, travelers must comply with the measures imposed by the countries they visit, as this travel pass does not replace any international restrictions.
READ: With the coronavirus still with us, what does the future hold for the workplace?
Multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said Wednesday that reciprocal bilateral greenway conditions would also apply.
Singapore currently has cross-border travel agreements with China, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, and South Korea. She has also said that she will begin discussions on a reciprocal green lane with Indonesia.
5. WHEN WILL WE KNOW IF THE PILOT IS SUCCESSFUL?
There is currently no fixed schedule for the business travel pass pilot program. GoBusiness said that public health remains the priority and that careful monitoring of this pilot is needed before further decisions are made.
Authorities will consider expanding the scheme in a safe and calibrated manner if the pilot is successful and public health measures are fully adhered to, Mr. Wong said.
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