FOREIGN WORKERS COMING TO SINGAPORE

FOREIGN WORKERS COMING TO SINGAPORE:

(Measures to prevent rogue agents from duping): 13.

Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a)

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what is being done to prevent rogue agents from duping foreign workers into coming to Singapore; (b) if they are being duped, whether the workers are considered to have committed any offence and therefore treated as criminals; (c) what can be done by way of refuge for these workers who are either sleeping on the streets or living in unhygienic conditions; and (d) what is being done to speed up the investigation of these foreign worker cases.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Sir, MOM will revoke the licences of employment agencies found to be involved in such scams. Their security deposit of up to $20,000 will also be forfeited. Agencies operating without a licence will be charged under the Employment Agencies Act and fined up to $5,000; repeat offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to six months, or both. MOM will also be sharing information on such scams with the Embassies of the countries involved, so that they can help warn their nationals against unscrupulous employment agencies in their home countries.

If investigations reveal that victims of such scams unknowingly overstayed or worked illegally, they will not be prosecuted. Instead, they will be issued Special Passes and allowed to work under MOM's Temporary Jobs Scheme. Those who participate in the Scheme are provided housing by their employers and can save money for their passage home.

In addition, some foreign nationals may be required as prosecution witnesses. They will also be issued with Special Passes to remain in Singapore, and allowed to participate in the Temporary Jobs Scheme. Upon completion of investigations, they may be able to continue to work in Singapore under a regular Work Permit.

However, some of these Special Pass holders chose instead to work illegally. If

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caught, they will be charged under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and may be liable to a fine of up to $5,000 or 12 months' jail, or both, if convicted.

Law enforcement agencies make every effort to speed up investigations involving these workers, to allow them to return home as soon as possible. In MOM's case, it is able to complete 90% of the investigations within three months. However, while we want to expedite the process, it is important to ensure that each case is thoroughly investigated.

Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen: Can I just ask what protection does the law provide for these workers, especially those cheated by rogue agents, and whether or not the Government is working with VWOs to provide refuge for these workers while they are waiting for their cases to be assessed?

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Yes, indeed, MOM is working with all the relevant organisations, voluntary welfare organisations as well as Government agencies, to extend a helping hand to these workers who are affected by the unscrupulous employment agents. Having said that, it is still important for me to remind all these workers that it is important for them to approach MOM for help rather than resort to illegal work because if they start working illegally on their own, they may be prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.