FOREIGN MOTOR MECHANICS

Mr Tay Beng Chuan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) if he is aware that some foreign motor mechanics are carrying out repair work on break-down motorcycles in make-shift workshops within the vicinity of Woodlands checkpoint without work permits; and (b) whether his Ministry will allow these foreigners to continue with such activities in competition with our local motor repair workshops, contrary to our stringent control over the employment of foreign workers by our local industries.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: The Ministry of Manpower is not aware of foreign motor mechanics carrying out repair work within the vicinity of Woodlands checkpoint without work permits. The Ministry has checked with the Ministry of Home Affairs which has not received any reports of such activities.

Depending on the circumstances, these foreign mechanics would either have infringed the Employment of Foreign Workers Act or the Immigration Act. For example, if a work permit holder freelances as a motorcycle mechanic, he would be moonlighting and this constitutes an offence under the Employment of Foreign Workers Act. The employer of the mechanic would also be liable to be prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Workers Act. On the other hand, any foreigner on a social visit pass who engages in any form of paid employment or business would have contravened the Immigration Regulations.

MOM will work with the Immigration Department to look out for such illegal activities and will not hesitate to take firm action against the errant parties for infringing our laws.