RUNAWAY MAIDS

Mr Goh Chong Chia asked the Minister for Manpower if he will state (a) whether any maids have been charged and convicted after running away from their employers' homes and having had their work permits cancelled; and (b) whether any persons have been charged with harbouring such maids.

The Minister of State for Manpower (Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe) (for the Minister for Manpower): Sir, for question (a), the answer is yes. Last year, a total number of 292 work permit holders were charged by the Ministry of Home Affairs for overstaying and, of these, 291 were convicted. We do not have the breakdown for foreign domestic workers. The number of foreign domestic workers charged and convicted for overstaying is very small compared to other groups of foreign workers.

For question (b), the answer is also yes. Last year the Ministry of Home Affairs charged 152 persons for harbouring an overstayer or an illegal immigrant. We do not have the breakdown for harbourers of foreign domestic workers.

Mr Goh Chong Chia: Can the Minister of State tell us what the penalties are for both (a) and (b)?

Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe: Sir, for (a), the penalty for overstaying in Singapore for 90 days or less, is a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to six months' imprisonment. For (b), the penalty carries a mandatory jail sentence of between six and 24 months and a fine of up to $6,000. Sir, when more than five illegal workers who are immigration offenders are involved, the law provides for mandatory caning of the employer upon conviction.