Considerations for Issuing Change of Employer Letter to Migrant Workers Faced With Pending Investigations

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what standards or thresholds are used to issue Change of Employer (COE) letters to migrant workers who are victims of illegal acts or accused of wrongdoing but found not to be culpable at the conclusion of investigations; and (b) what are the most common reasons for not granting COE letters.

Migrant workers are allowed to stay and work in Singapore if they have a permit to do so. They have no right to insist on staying in Singapore. The permits granted to foreigners are a privilege and not a right. Migrant workers may be denied permits before they come into Singapore, and sometimes, their permits may be cancelled. This might arise due to many circumstances, in particular, when their employers cancel the permit. When migrant workers become involved in law enforcement investigations, the workers are issued a Special Pass to allow them to remain in Singapore while investigations are ongoing.

Migrant workers who are victims of illegal acts or are found to be innocent of any wrongdoing are allowed to look for a new employer before their Special Pass expires. Where such a migrant worker indicates interest to work for a new employer, the Ministry of Manpower will facilitate the work pass application for them after determining with the law enforcement agencies that it is not contrary to public interest to do so and provided the prevailing work pass criteria are met.