Guidelines & Advice for Members amidst COVID-19

Summary of Guidelines & Advice for Members amidst COVID-19

Dear Members,

I hope this post finds you well. Amidst the constant developments and numerous guidelines released by official organisations, I hope this summary is helpful in providing a clearer picture of what is required of us. 

ADVICE FOR ALL

  • UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) emphasises the importance of clarifying with our respective visa sponsors what their expectations of us are.

    • For example, students need to clarify with their universities what level of engagement with their course is acceptable. Individual universities’ policies are not standardised by UKVI, but it is worth noting that UKVI has no policy that prevents us from starting our degrees online.

RETURNING TO THE UK

  • For all of us travelling to the UK, regardless of port of departure, it is required of us to fill in this form within 48h of arrival: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/public-health-passenger-locator-form. It should contain your travel information including intercity travel before arrival to your final destination.

  • If you are returning to the UK, you are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) (https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg) so that you can be contactable by the High Commission or MFA.

    • Should you require any assistance while overseas, please contact your educational institutions, student associations, the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or the Singapore Global Network. (hello@singaporeglobalnetwork.com) for guidance. The Ministry of Education may also be contacted at contact@moe.gov.sg.

    • In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission (https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Missions/Find-A-Singapore-Overseas-Mission?letter=u) or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

  • If your flight carrier requires certification of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test prior to your flight, please call the Ministry of Health at its Emergency Line: 1800 333 9999. Thereafter, press 0 for General Enquiries and they will be able to assist you with arranging a swab test.

    • We have been informed that the processing time for the swab test appeal is 3-5 working days and test results require 2 days, so you are advised to adjust your travel arrangements accordingly.

    • We have also been informed that following this, MOH requires submission of additional documentation via email, and you will be guided through this process by the MOH officer over the phone.

  • Countries exempt from the 14-day self-isolation can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#travel-corridors-countries-and-territories-exemption-list

    • Update: Singapore has been added to the Wales Travel Corridor as of 04:00 BST Saturday 29 August.

    • Update: From 19 September Saturday 04:00 BST, Singapore will be added to the list of countries where self-isolation on return to the UK is not required.

  • It is now required of us to wear face masks during travel and in enclosed spaces.

ADVICE PERTAINING TO CONCERNS WHILE IN THE UK

INCOMING 1ST YEAR (2020-21) STUDENTS: VISA APPLICATION & BRP COLLECTION

  • It is advised that incoming students apply for their Tier 4 visa closer to their date of travel, that is, nearing the date when your university requires you to be on campus.

  • The visa application office in Singapore is currently operating at service standard. The standard processing time of 15 working days remains unchanged.

  • If your visa is approved and your arrival to the UK is within 2020, you will have a 90-days vignette (instead of the normal 30-day vignette) to enter the UK.

  • To allow more flexibility in deciding when to arrive in the UK, it is also free to replace the 90-day vignette until December 2020.

  • You must complete your self-isolation for 14 days before BRP collection.

CURRENT STUDENTS

  • If your university requires you to be on campus and you are returning to the UK, you must self-isolate for 14 days and are advised to take private transport when travelling between the airport and your accommodation.

  • UKVI’s current expectation is for us to be in the UK by 6 April 2021, but this is subject to changes depending on the ongoing situation.

GRADUATING STUDENTS WITH HEE JOB OFFER: TIER 4 VISA CONVERSION

CONCERNS REGARDING RETURN TO SINGAPORE IN UPCOMING MONTHS

  • Please check directly with airlines for details on flight availability and schedules.

  • Please check the MFA website for regular updates: 

  • From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all incoming travellers entering Singapore will be tested for COVID-19 and serve their stay-home notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities instead of their own place of residence. They will also need to undergo a COVID-19 test before they end their SHN as is the current requirement.

    • SHN at Dedicated SHN Facilities is currently free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, while the compulsory COVID-19 swab test before the end of SHN is not free.

    • However, the High Commission was unable to advise us on whether we will be required to personally bear the costs of the aforementioned compulsory COVID-19 tests and stay at Dedicated SHN Facilities, should we decide to return to Singapore in the upcoming months.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, or anyone in the committee if you require any assistance. No query is too small and we cherish being able to help whenever possible. You are not alone in this and the SMSUK committee is doing all we can to support all of you during these unprecedented times. Stay safe and take care, everyone!

Warmest regards,

Nadya L. Ow

President 

president@smsuk.com 

26th SMSUK Committee

SMSUK