MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE DOWNTURN

MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE DOWNTURN: 11.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Manpower (a) if he will give an update on the situation of migrant workers during this downturn; (b) how many migrant workers have filed complaints of no work, unpaid salaries, poor accommodation and poor treatment; (c) how were they assisted; and (d) how many companies are prosecuted for violations of the relevant laws.

The Minister of State for Manpower (Mr Lee Yi Shyan) (for the Minister for Manpower): In first half of 2009, MOM handled complaints relating to unpaid salaries of about 4,500 foreign workers. This is an increase of about 40% compared to the second half of 2008. The increase can be largely traced to the cases related to nine companies, most of which were detected by MOM’s Task Force set up in January 2009.

Despite the increase, the incidence of violations since January this year is less than 0.5% of the total size of the total size of the foreign workforce. In other words, the vast majority of foreign workers in Singapore are working, and are being treated fairly by their employers.

The Task Force has been monitoring companies for signs of inability to pay foreign worker levy or workers’ salaries. This strategy has allowed MOM to proactively detect potential problems earlier, and prevent salary arrears from snowballing to unmanageable levels.

Enforcement is also being stepped up on other fronts too, so that errant employers do not get away with abusing the foreign worker pass system, and compete unfairly against other law-abiding

Column: 961

companies. For example, enforcement from March to June 2009 led to some 7,100 foreign workers relocating to proper housing. MOM is also cracking down on illegal deployment of foreign workers. From January to June this year, 157 foreign workers were found to have been illegally deployed by their employers. We are also taking action against illegal employment of foreign workers in the Service sector, such as catering and food establishments.

Since January 2009, MOM has prosecuted seven companies in relation to unpaid salaries, 26 employers in relation to phantom worker scams, 28 companies for failing to provide proper accommodation to their workers and six companies for illegal deployment offences. In addition to prosecution action, we will also debar offending employers from hiring foreign workers for a period of time. By the same token, MOM has also taken punitive actions against foreign workers who committed offences. Between January and April 2009, 74 foreign workers were prosecuted for providing false information, including 29 who have made false accusations or statements against their employers and employment agents. There were also four foreigners who were prosecuted for working illegally without a valid Work Pass since the beginning of this year.

Even as we take action against the errant employers, MOM will help the legitimate workers who are affected. In instances where employers have absconded or are unable to pay salary arrears, MOM arranges for settlement packages with company representatives and facilitates their repatriation. MOM also works closely with the Migrant Workers Centre and other NGOs to reach out to the foreign workers to provide humanitarian assistance such as food and lodging to those who require it. In

Column: 962

appropriate cases, MOM also facilitates the change of employment for the affected workers. Since January, MOM has facilitated more than 400 foreign workers to find new employers here.

We will continue to remain vigilant to new attempts to circumvent the law, and take action accordingly. MOM would also like to urge employers to abide by the rules and to fulfil their responsibilities. This includes ensuring that Work Pass applications are submitted legitimately, giving foreign workers proper work, paying salary on time and providing acceptable accommodation. In this regard, we would also like to reassure and urge foreign workers who face employment-related problems to approach MOM so that we can help them and others who are affected.

Mdm Halimah Yacob: I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. The Minister of State mentioned that offending companies will be debarred from bringing in foreign workers. I would like to seek a clarification from him whether it is true that in instances where they have been debarred, there have been instances where such companies have set up a separate legal entity and continue to bring in foreign workers and continue with their irresponsible behaviour. If indeed there is such a situation, what measures have been taken to address it?

Mr Lee Yi Shyan: Under our legislation, employers who submit false documentation or breach licensing conditions are punishable both by fine and jail. So, in the situation that the Member asked, if the company, having committed offence and having been debarred, goes on to form other companies, we will take them to task according to the legislation and the power that we have. Indeed, MOM, through our Task Force set up earlier this year, has stepped up enforcement paying attention to this kind of companies.