Adverse Records Given to Foreign Workers

Mr Kok Heng Leun asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the main ways in which adverse records are attached to a foreign worker; (b) whether unsubstantiated allegations by employers constitute such records; (c) how can a worker know whether there are adverse records attached to his name; and (d) what avenues are available to the foreign worker to clear his name.

Mrs Josephine Teo: A foreign worker may have an adverse record if he committed an offence under Singapore laws or was found to have infringed MOM's regulations. The Ministry does not place an adverse record based on unsubstantiated allegations by employers. The foreign worker would also have been given the opportunity to be heard if his employer alleged that he committed an offence.

The worker would be aware of the offence he committed as enforcement actions would have been taken against him. He can appeal against the decision as provided for under the respective legislations.