STRANDED FOREIGN WORKERS

STRANDED FOREIGN WORKERS

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(Cooperation with Foreign Embassies): **

40.

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Acting Minister for Manpower how can the Government work more effectively with the countries of foreign workers stranded in Singapore due to unfulfilled promises for work by employment agents from both countries.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: In general, the vast majority of foreign workers in Singapore are gainfully employed and do not encounter employment problems. Notwithstanding this, there are isolated cases where foreign workers are unfairly treated. Not all of these issues can be addressed unilaterally by Singapore because some of the problems originate from the workers' home country. It is therefore important for both Singapore and the labour sending countries to jointly address such problems within the respective jurisdictions. Hence, Foreign Embassies in Singapore play a key role within MOM's foreign manpower management framework. Currently, MOM is already working closely with Foreign Embassies of labour sending countries to resolve problems faced by their nationals working in Singapore and to ensure that their well-being are safeguarded. The Ministry has also stepped up educational efforts through the dissemination of information and collaterals through the various Embassies.

On the specific issue of employment agencies that mislead foreign workers with false promises of jobs in Singapore, MOM will investigate and take action against errant Singapore employment agencies and employers who flout our laws and regulations. The

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Ministry will continue to work closely with the Foreign Embassies and share relevant information obtained during the course of our investigations, including those involving foreign employment agencies. This will enable the Foreign Embassies to disseminate the information to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken against the errant parties in their countries.

For instance, MOM has forwarded the list of Bangladeshi employment agencies involved in the recent cases to the Bangladeshi High Commission for their follow up.

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