To safeguard Singapore against high-risk non-citizens who have not been vaccinated, unvaccinated foreign travellers may be deny entry into the country, according to new proposed changes to law by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
If the change is enacted, the non-citizen will returned to his/her place of embarkation without first offering vaccination, isolation or surveillance.
This is in line with international practice, said a press release by MOH. The discretion will be exercised judiciously, in scenarios where it is impractical to offer vaccination, isolation or surveillance.
Unwell travellers arriving in Singapore will not be turned away, and will continue to receive medical attention as needed.
Under the current Infectious Disease Act (IDA), persons entering Singapore need to be vaccinated against specific infectious diseases. Unvaccinated travellers may be subjected to vaccination, isolation or surveillance in Singapore, and travellers who refuse to comply may be returned to his/her place of embarkation.
The public is invited to contribute their views and feedback on the proposed amendments to the IDA.
The public consultation paper with details of the proposed amendments can be found on REACH and on the MOH website from 9am on Wednesday 27 June 2018. Feedback on the consultation paper can be submitted to ida_public_consult@moh.gov.sg.
All feedback should reach MOH by August 7, 2018, 6pm.