Support for Persons Unable to Pay for Stays at SHN-Dedicated Facilities and COVID-19 Tests

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for National Development (a) to date, how many persons have been unable to pay for their stays at SHN-Dedicated Facilities (SDFs) upon arrival in Singapore; (b) what proportion is this of the total number of persons who have stayed at SDFs; and (c) how has the Ministry supported those who are unable to pay the SDF and testing fees.

Since 1 January 2021, all incoming travellers are required to pay for their stay at Stay-Home Notice (SHN) dedicated facilities (SDFs) and testing fees, as part of the cost of travel in a COVID-19 world. While the Government had borne these costs during the earlier phase of the crisis last year, we have gradually moved to a position where travellers bear the costs of their travel as a private expense, rather than relying on public funds. This is consistent with the practice in many other countries.

Only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (SC/PRs) who face financial difficulties and had to travel for extenuating reasons may apply to ICA for a full cost waiver. Non-residents who wish to enter Singapore are generally required to pay for their SDF stays and testing fees before they can be granted entry into Singapore. Non-residents who have financial difficulties may be assessed for a cost waiver or refund by their respective sectoral leads on a case by case basis.

Between January and July 2021, the Government has received around 10,000 appeals for cost waiver from SC/PRs and non-residents. This constitutes about 6% of the total number of travellers who have stayed at SDFs over the same period. In assessing these appeals, we considered the financial situation of the travellers and their ability to pay for the SDF stay and testing fees, as well as the circumstances surrounding the decision to travel. Waivers are reserved for those who have extenuating reasons to travel and genuine difficulties in meeting the cost of the SDF stay and testing, which should otherwise be considered as a private expense. About half of the appeals have been acceded to.