COVID-19 drastically transformed lives in Singapore, reshaping norms, and has turned all of our lives over. Here is our Managing Director's message for our clients.
Message from our Managing Director on the Covid-19 Situation
Dear Valued Clients,
I hope you’re safe and well, and that your business is staying ahead in these challenging times, the Covid-19 situation.
The Covid-19 pandemic is upon us and only time will tell if the worst is yet to come. The virus knows no boundaries, nationality, ethnicity, profession, nor colour. We are in this together as we feel the brunt of its impact upon our loved ones, the businesses we rely upon, the health of the global economy, and our daily lives.
Impact on Economy and Talent
Here in Singapore, we must commend and acknowledge the manner in which the government and people have dealt with the situation thus far. While we acknowledge the sacrifices made by the front-liners to battle the virus, we cannot forget Covid-19’s impact on the economy, even more so in Singapore, whose economic prowess was built on, and highly dependent on its people and its industries.
With a large percentage of our manpower comprising Foreign Talent, we are also already seeing an even more stricter selection process in the issuance of new foreign passes. We have already seen jobs being made redundant, wage cuts, and work from home orders implemented. We have seen foreign talent returning to their home countries as all governments of the world attempt to bring some form of stability to its residents and businesses and most importantly to curb further spread of Covid-19.
Government Support and Measures
The Resilience and Supplementary Budget 2020 Package initiative from the Singapore Government comes at a timely fashion. Quoting from DPM Heng Swee Keat’s speech, “We have saved up for a rainy day,” Mr Heng told Parliament on Thursday (Mar 26) in announcing additional economic measures in response to the outbreak. “The Covid-19 pandemic is already a mighty storm and is still growing.”
On 3rd April 2020, Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation to adopt stricter safe distancing measures to stem the transmission of Covid-19. For the next 1 month only those in key economic sectors and essential services will be open.
Singaporeans and residents must first and foremost not panic. These are really preventive measures that needs to be exercised as the nation attempts to contain the situation. In essence, life still goes on – and the government recognises that. In no way has the system failed. While this impacts everyone, it is assuring to know that they are here to help. And so are we.
Impact on Inbound Singapore Immigration
With the government leading the way decisively with empathy, calm, and poise, Immigration@SG looks to the positives that can be derived for our clients and potential Singapore PR and Citizenship applicants. At present, the immigration industry remains very stable. The country stands committed to accepting foreign talent that complements the local talent pool. Immigration remains one of key strategic policies driving that Singapore will continue to rely on and as such, the ministries will still be processing Singapore PR and Citizenship applications. There will be no major policy impact and annual quotas will maintain for 2020/2021.
Thanks to the technological infrastructure in place, a large majority of us will continue to work from home. This includes us. Immigration@SG will continue to support all client queries and applications remotely, without compromising on the quality of advisory all the way through to the application submissions.
I believe these addresses some of the immediate concerns one may have at this stage of the pandemic. With no certainties on how Covid-19 situation pans out, Immigration@SG’s promise to all our clients will be to continue to strive to remain available, and see their PR and Citizenship dreams come true.
