- Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating around 45 companies involved in operations at Changi Airport for suspected work pass offences, including false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers.
- MOM has identified around 270 workers whose deployment may have breached work pass regulations, employed by contractors and sub-contractors of ground handler SATS.
- During a recent inspection, MOM found Employment Pass (EP) holders performing baggage handling duties, with preliminary investigations suggesting that their declared salaries and occupations were false.
- MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies it engages, including verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes.
- SATS has enhanced its internal verification process controls and is working closely with MOM to address the identified irregularities.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is probing approximately 45 companies at Changi Airport for suspected violations of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA). The investigation follows the identification of around 270 workers whose deployment may not comply with work pass regulations.1234
During inspections, MOM discovered that Employment Pass (EP) holders were performing baggage handling services under false declarations regarding their salaries and job roles. MOM stated, “MOM takes a serious view of work pass offences and will take enforcement action if breaches of the EFMA are established.”56
The ministry has directed SATS, the airport ground services provider, to enhance oversight of its contractors, ensuring compliance with work pass regulations. MOM also issued advisories to other companies involved in SATS' operations, reminding them of their obligations under the EFMA.
SATS acknowledged the irregularities, stating, “We have since undertaken a broader review of the practices at other contractor companies with whom we work.” The company has implemented enhanced internal verification processes to ensure compliance with MOM's guidelines.
Under the EFMA, employers making false declarations face fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Employers illegally deploying foreign workers may incur fines up to $10,000 and could be barred from hiring work pass holders.
“MOM found Employment Pass holders performing baggage handling duties with false salary and occupation declarations. Under the EFMA, false declarations carry fines up to $20,000 and two years' imprisonment, while illegal deployment penalties reach $10,000.”
AsiaOne.com
