MOM probes 45 firms over suspected work pass offences, illegal deployment at Changi Airport
About 270 workers may have been deployed in breach of work pass rules.
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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating about 45 companies involved in operations at Changi Airport over suspected work pass offences, including false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers.
In a media release on Monday (Nov 2), MOM said investigations have so far identified around 270 workers whose deployment may not have complied with work pass regulations.
The workers were employed by contractors and sub-contractors of ground handling company SATS.
The investigations follow a recent inspection at Changi Airport, during which MOM found Employment Pass (EP) holders performing baggage handling duties.
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Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false.
The EP allows foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians to work in Singapore. Candidates generally need to earn at least S$5,600 (US$4,380) a month to qualify, with higher salary requirements for older applicants and those in the financial services sector.
Other work pass holders were also found carrying out baggage handling work that differed from their declared occupations.
MOM said it has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of its contractors, including verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes and rectifying any compliance deficiencies.
The ministry has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in SATS' operations, reminding them of their obligations to comply with the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and applicable work pass requirements.
SATS IDENTIFIED IRREGULARITIES DURING INTERNAL AUDIT
In a media statement, SATS said it had identified work pass-related irregularities involving workers employed by some of its contractors during a routine internal audit.
"Immediate action was taken against contractor companies who did not meet the standards and obligations required under our contracts and were assessed to be non-compliant with applicable laws," it said.
SATS said it has since conducted a broader review of other contractors' practices and provided MOM with a list of companies and affected workers identified through its internal audit.
It has also completed a comprehensive audit of its contractor workforce deployed in Changi Airport operations.
As of Monday, SATS said it has strengthened its internal verification controls to ensure contractor workers are deployed in accordance with their work pass conditions. It is also rectifying compliance deficiencies in line with MOM's guidelines.
"SATS takes compliance seriously and we require all our contractor companies, including those performing baggage handling services, to comply with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines," it said.
The company added that it would take necessary action against contractors found to have breached the law or their contractual obligations.
It also acknowledged that the SATS Workers' Union had raised the importance of robust checks and controls over contractor workers deployed alongside SATS employees.
"We assured SATSWU that the matter was being looked into, and that we would continue to partner with the union to maintain trust with workers and ensure they are treated fairly," it said.
PENALTIES FOR WORK PASS OFFENCES
MOM said it takes a serious view of work pass offences and will take enforcement action if investigations establish that the law has been breached.
"Investigations are ongoing," the ministry said. "MOM will continue to conduct checks to ensure compliance with work pass requirements."
Under the Act, those found guilty of making false declarations in work pass applications can be fined up to S$20,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.
Employers who illegally deploy foreign workers may face financial penalties of up to S$10,000. They may also be barred from hiring work pass holders.
Members of the public who are aware of suspected work pass infringements can report them through MOM's Report an Infringement eService.
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