20-5-2023 (Singapore) The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore has successfully dismantled a syndicate engaged in the illicit entry of migrant workers using fraudulently obtained work passes. Over the course of a two-day island wide operation that concluded on Wednesday (May 17), a total of 27 individuals believed to be associated with the syndicate were apprehended. They are accused of facilitating the entry of 290 migrant workers through deceptive means.
According to a media release issued by MOM on Saturday, the syndicate operated by making CPF contributions to Singaporeans in order to artificially inflate the quota of shell companies, enabling them to hire foreign workers. However, these Singaporeans, referred to as “phantom workers” by the ministry, were not actually employed by these companies. Relying on the inflated quota, the companies would then submit applications for work passes for the foreign workers, using false declarations. As a result, these individuals would enter and remain in Singapore through the acquisition of illegally obtained work passes.
The allocation of work permits and S Passes to a company is subject to specific quotas that vary across different sectors. MOM’s extensive raid this week encompassed 19 locations, including food stalls, residences, and an office associated with the suspects. During the enforcement operation, payment records and 80 digital devices such as laptops and mobile phones were seized. Ongoing investigations are being conducted against the arrested individuals, as stated by MOM.
The ministry emphasized that making false declarations in work pass applications is a severe offense. Offenders, if convicted, may face fines of up to S$20,000 (US$14,900), imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Errant employers involved in such activities will have their work pass privileges suspended, while the work pass applicant may face prosecution and permanent disqualification from working in Singapore.
Employers who hire foreign workers without valid work passes can be fined up to S$30,000, sentenced to a maximum of 12 months’ imprisonment, or both, for each charge. Additionally, they will be prohibited from employing foreigners in the future.
Foreigners found working without a valid work pass could face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both. Upon conviction, they will be permanently barred from seeking employment in Singapore.
