Last month, a man was sentenced to 12 months’ jail and ordered to pay a penalty of S$24,050 (US$18,400) for abusing the work permit scheme for performing artistes.
He had applied for work permits for 21 foreign women to “work” as performing artistes at his pub or karaoke businesses, but once they came in, they sought their own jobs and paid him money in return for getting into Singapore.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, all employers and work pass applicants must make accurate, complete and truthful declarations to the Controller of Work Passes. Employers can only hire foreign employees with valid work passes.
Foreigners convicted of working in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding S$20,000, jail for up to two years, or both. Upon conviction, the Manpower Ministry may also bar them from working in Singapore.
Those convicted of making false declarations in work pass applications may be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, jail for up to two years, or both.
Errant employers will also have their work pass privileges suspended. The work pass applicant may also be prosecuted and permanently barred from working in Singapore.
Those who are aware of such suspicious employment activities should report the matter to MOM at mom_fmmd [at] mom.gov.sg.
