Covid-19: More eligible migrant workers allowed to visit recreation centres from Oct 31

• MOM said that the step is part of the overall measures to ease restrictions on migrant workers safely “within and outside the dormitories”.
• Thus far, migrant workers have been able to leave their dormitories only for work and essential errands.
• The workers would have to book an “exit pass” via the SGWorkPass mobile application to visit their dormitory’s assigned recreation centres.

SINGAPORE — From Saturday (Oct 31), eligible migrant workers will be able to visit recreation centres on their rest days. This applies to workers who have recovered from Covid-19 and who still have immunity against the coronavirus, as well as those who have tested negative recently under the Ministry of Health’s fortnightly Rostered Routine Testing of workers.

In a media statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that the step is part of the overall measures to ease restrictions on migrant workers safely “within and outside the dormitories”.

“After more than two months of trials, and with infection rates in the community and dormitories maintained at low levels over a period of time, the Assurance, Care and Engagement (Ace) Group under MOM will allow eligible migrant workers in all dormitories to visit recreation centres on their rest days from Oct 31,” it said.

So far, migrant workers have been able to leave their dormitories only for work and essential errands.

With the new rules in place from Saturday, eligible workers will be able to access amenities and services such as food-and-beverage outlets, minimarts, telecommunications shops, barbers and remittance services at the recreation centres.

They will also be able to meet with their friends for activities in the centres’ communal facilities, with strict safe management measures in place, MOM said.

To do so, the workers would have to book an “exit pass” via the SGWorkPass mobile application to visit their dormitory’s assigned recreation centres. This can be done up to seven days in advance.

MOM stressed that checks will be conducted by the dormitory operators and the various recreation centres to ensure that the workers have the valid exit passes before allowing entry and exit.

STAGGERED VISITS IN PLACE

MOM also said that more measures have been put in place at the recreation centres to protect the health of these workers.

These include:

• Different time slots for workers to visit the recreation centres to mitigate possible overcrowding

• Number of exit passes issued for each time slot to be controlled through the application system

It added that it has worked closely with the sector agencies and employers to stagger the rest days for workers in the construction, marine and process industries.

INITIAL TRIALS STARTED IN LATE AUGUST

To date, around 30,000 migrant workers from more than 300 dormitories — including a mix of purpose-built dormitories, factory-converted dormitories and temporary living quarters — have booked exit passes as part of the trials that started at the end of August. 

Throughout the trial period, MOM said that it had worked closely with the various stakeholders to review and refine the safety measures for the workers' rest days.

“For instance, time slots were increased from two-hour exits to three-hour exits based on feedback from industry associations. An additional 8pm to 11pm time slot will also be added to cater to workers who perform overtime work on their rest days, in response to feedback,” the ministry said.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, the chairman of Migrant Worker’s Centre (MWC), said that the centre has been working closely with the ministry and other government agencies to “provide support and render assistance to our migrant workers since the pandemic began”.

“We hope that the safe rest days' initiative at the recreation centres will provide virus-cleared migrant brothers respite from the current movement control measures as we transition towards a time when these measures can be removed.” 

Mr Tung Yui Fai, chief of the Ace Group under MOM, said that his team will work with other stakeholders to review when the dormitory residents could be allowed to visit other popular social and recreation spots beyond the recreation centres “when there is greater assurance that Covid-19 transmission has been sustained at negligible levels”.

He added: “We appreciate the cooperation of workers, employers, dorm operators and non-governmental organisations in working towards the goal of letting dormitory residents enjoy their rest days safely.”