Malaysia and Singapore Aim to Create Transit Arrangements for Long-Term Passengers and Important Travelers

Last updated on May 6th, 2021 at 10:30 am

Singapore and Malaysia have decided to begin introducing joint green lane and transfer agreements for long-term passholders as well as important company and official travelers. The aim is to bring in place the appropriate structures and processes on 10 Aug.

That was revealed in a joint statement by Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The planned Aug 10 date would allow both governments ‘related departments flexibility to finalize the two initiatives’ basic operating procedures.

The entry and exit criteria, safety guidelines, and approval procedure for Malaysia and Singapore will be released 10 days prior to their introduction. Dr Balakrishnan. Singapore and Malaysia share strong and comprehensive links, and cross-border people-to – people connections and economic exchanges are essential for both countries. With these travel agreements, we aim to recreate these connections slowly and securely and to meet the needs of different classes of travelers.

The reciprocal green lane would enable journeys between the two countries for important business and official purposes. All qualifying, including taking Covid-19 swab tests and applying their itineraries, would have to follow controls. The periodic travel agreement would allow residents of Singapore and Malaysia who hold long-term immigration passes for company and employment purposes

They will return to their home country for short-term home leave after at least three consecutive months in their country of work, and then re-enter their country of work to resume work for at least another three consecutive months, the statement stated. On March 18, Malaysia released a motion control order to curtail the spread of cases of coronavirus in the region.

Since June, it has now entered a “recovery phase,” though its international borders remain closed. On June 8, Singapore slowly reopened its boundaries by unveiling a “easy lane” agreement with China that enabled critical business and official travel to restart. Yet limitations exist, such as when passengers have to request authorisation from the authorities.

Long-term pass holders arriving in Singapore – rather than those who have spent the last 14 days in other countries or areas – are usually expected to complete a 14-day stay-home notice duration in designated facilities. Malaysia and Singapore have both decided to create other cross-border travel systems, such as a frequent cross-border job-related plan for all co-passengers.

It should take into consideration the requisite health procedures and medical services available in both countries to insure the welfare of people on both sides.

Lastly, Dr Balakrishnan said these other initiatives would take time because both countries need to recognize the requisite public health procedures and the required medical services.

Related Article:

https://www.theasianaffairs.com/asean-news/2020/07/02/singapore-and-malaysia-agrees-to-set-up-green-lane-for-essential-business-travel/