MOM investigating around 45 companies over suspected work pass offences & illegal deployment at Changi Airport

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating around 45 companies involved in airport operations at Changi Airport for suspected offences and infringements under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA).

This includes false declarations and illegal deployment of foreign workers, MOM said in a Nov. 2 press release.

Suspected offences, infringements

The agency found Employment Pass (EP) holders deployed to perform baggage handling services during a recent inspection at Changi Airport.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false, the release stated.

It added that other work pass holders were also found performing baggage handling work, which was different from their declared occupations.

Investigations have so far identified around 270 workers whose deployment may not have been in compliance with work pass regulations.

These workers were employed by the Singapore Airport Terminal Services' (SATS) contractors and subcontractors, the release noted.

Strengthen oversight

MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies they have contracted, including verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes.

This also includes rectifying any compliance deficiencies, the release stated.

MOM has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in SATS' operations, underscoring their obligation to comply with the EFMA and applicable work pass requirements.

Penalties

The release noted that MOM takes a serious view of work pass offences.

Investigations are ongoing and MOM will take enforcement action if breaches of the EFMA are established.

The agency will also continue to conduct checks to ensure compliance with work pass requirements.

The release stated that under the EFMA, making a false declaration in a work pass application carries a fine of up to S$20,000, up to two years' jail, or both.

Employers who illegally deploy a foreign employee may face a financial penalty of up to S$10,000. They may also be barred from hiring work pass holders.

According to the release, members of the public who are aware of suspected work pass infringements may report them to MOM through its Report an Infringement eService.