Publication of Provisional Guidelines for Adequate Support Towards Workers in Pending Cases and/or Claims

Dr Hamid Razak asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will publish concrete guidelines on employers' obligations to provide acceptable accommodation and adequate food to Work Permit holders, particularly when workers have pending Employ Claims Tribunal cases or Work Injury Compensation claims.

The Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations stipulates that employers are responsible for the upkeep of Work Permit holders who are awaiting resolution and payment of any statutory claims. This includes the provision of acceptable accommodation and food.

The Ministry of Manpower takes a proactive approach of checking with these Work Permit holders to ensure they have adequate food and acceptable accommodation throughout their claims process. Errant employers may face financial penalties of up to $10,000.