Immigration & foreign manpower

Usha Chandradas asked about the investment amounts in arts-related businesses in Singapore due to the Global Investor Programme (GIP) incentives and their proportion of total GIP investments. Gan Kim Yong responded that the GIP grants Permanent Resident status to eligible investors but does not provide financial incentives. He noted that there have been no recent GIP investors in arts-related businesses, and voluntary investments in the arts sector are not tracked.

Dr. Tan See Leng reported on Singapore's post-COVID employment landscape, noting that resident unemployment dropped from a pandemic peak of 4.8% to 2.8%, and highlighted wage growth exceeding inflation, with lower-wage workers seeing significant income increases. The Ministry of Manpower launched multiple initiatives to support workforce transformation, career development, and enhance protections for vulnerable groups, particularly senior workers and lower-wage earners. In addressing manpower needs, he emphasized the importance of foreign talent in sustaining economic competitiveness and job creation, while also noting measures to balance local job opportunities with foreign employment. The debate included calls to improve workplace safety, address underemployment, and foster inclusivity for all workers, particularly seniors and persons with disabilities.

Hazel Poa requested a breakdown of foreign worker levy amounts collected by sector over the past five years. Tan See Leng provided the requested information in a table format detailing the levy amounts across key sectors during that period.

Hazel Poa requested an update on the construction of hostel-like accommodations for foreign healthcare workers. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry of Health and MOH Holdings are establishing these accommodations to assist foreign healthcare workers new to Singapore. By the end of March, there will be capacity to house approximately 2,000 occupants across five sites.

Hazel Poa requested data from the Minister for Transport regarding injuries and fatalities among workers on Work Permits or S Passes transported on lorries over the last decade. Chee Hong Tat reported a more than 25% reduction in injuries from 215 (2015-2019) to 161 (2020-2024) and noted an average of one fatality per year over the past ten years. The Ministry does not track the specific permits of workers involved in these accidents, focusing instead on overall worker safety improvements.

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower about investigations into employers allegedly receiving kickbacks from migrant workers. Tan See Leng reported that in 2024, the Ministry investigated approximately 250 cases, resulting in enforcement actions against 51 employers and prosecution of 12. On average, eight migrant workers were affected per employer, with each paying about $6,600 in kickbacks.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether performing artistes on work permits undergo the Settling-in Programme meant for certain migrant workers. Tan See Leng clarified that this programme is currently prioritized for first-time Work Permit holders in specific sectors such as construction, marine shipyard, process, and manufacturing. There are no plans to extend the programme to workers in the services sector at this time.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the Ministry of Manpower would consider collaborating with other agencies to provide SingPass account reset services at migrant workers' recreation centres. Tan See Leng responded that migrant workers can currently reset their accounts in person at designated counters or online. The Ministry has also created guides in native languages to assist with the process, available on its website and in dormitories. Additionally, MOM will monitor demand and explore further assistance options for migrant workers if needed.

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower about collaboration with the Traffic Police to verify the work permit status of foreign delivery drivers during licence inspections, as well as data on illegal work permits for 2024. Tan See Leng responded that the Police refer cases of foreign drivers without valid work passes to the Ministry of Manpower for investigation. From January to December 2024, the Ministry received approximately 90 complaints regarding illegal foreign delivery drivers, leading to enforcement actions against 30 individuals, while the rest were found unsubstantiated.

• The debate focused on the awareness of first-time migrant domestic workers (MDWs) regarding the legal consequences of child and elder abuse.
• Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the inclusion of legal briefings and mental health support in the Settling-In Programme for MDWs.
• Minister Tan See Leng confirmed that all MDWs must attend the Settling-In Programme, where they are educated on legal repercussions for abuse and provided resources for mental well-being.
• The programme includes information on fostering good relationships with employers and managing stress, along with access to helplines for support.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang raised a question about reviewing the Immigration Act to allow foreigners with undetectable HIV viral loads to live and work in Singapore.
• Ong Ye Kung responded that the current provision in the Immigration Act is designed to protect public health and prevent HIV transmission.
• He noted that while short-term visits are permitted for foreigners with HIV, long-term residency remains restricted.
• The Ministry of Health is open to reviewing HIV-related policies in light of scientific advancements.

• Mr. Gerald Giam raised concerns about the proportion of ICA services that are digital-only and the challenges faced by individuals lacking digital literacy or access to necessary tools.
• He inquired about the number of people who sought assistance from ICA due to difficulties with the digital application process and whether there is a structured support system in place.
• Minister K Shanmugam responded that approximately 95% of ICA applications are submitted online, and assistance is available at the ICA Services Centre for those needing help.
• The ICA does not keep track of the number of individuals seeking help with online applications.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the number of food-related complaints received through the Forward Assurance and Support Team and the FWMOMCare mobile app over the past five years.
• The Ministry of Manpower began tracking food-related complaints in 2022, averaging 35 complaints per year through various channels.
• Most complaints were resolved through engagement without further investigation, with only one case resulting in a warning and no prosecutions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
• Complaints related to food safety and hygiene are referred to the Singapore Food Agency for further investigation.

• Ms. Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about the process for notifying employers when their foreign domestic workers are investigated for unlicensed moneylending or other offences.
• Minister K. Shanmugam explained that employers may be informed by the Police during investigations, and they may also be contacted for assistance.
• He emphasized that an investigation does not imply guilt and that the Ministry of Manpower will inform employers about any decisions regarding the worker's permit after investigations conclude.

Rachel Ong requested information on cases of elder and child abuse by domestic helpers from 2015 to 2024, along with penalties and measures to reduce such abuse. K Shanmugam explained that the Police do not track this data systematically, but from 2022 to 2024, approximately 45 cases were reported annually involving migrant domestic workers suspected of abuse, with a majority involving children. Offenders can face penalties under the Penal Code or the Children and Young Persons Act, with sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment, particularly for offenses against vulnerable victims. The Ministry of Manpower has initiatives to educate domestic workers about laws and responsibilities, including orientation programs to promote positive relationships between workers and employers, and outreach efforts to support stress management and communication.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the outcomes and status of retention schemes for Work Permit Holders in the construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors. Tan See Leng explained that the retention scheme introduced in September 2021 helped 842 workers find new employment but was discontinued in June 2022 after the pandemic due to sufficient existing measures for worker retention. Workers can transfer employers more easily now, either at contract end or with consent during employment. The government is also considering recommendations to review policies related to the employment duration and age of Work Permit holders to further support businesses in retaining skilled workers.

Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant asked about the current status and effectiveness of the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass since its inception. The Minister for Manpower reported that approximately 3,000 ONE Passes were issued in 2024, with one-sixth being new entrants and the majority being from conversions of existing work passes. The top sectors for employment of ONE Pass holders include financial services, information and communications, and professional services, with ongoing efforts to engage global talent and enhance awareness of the program. Gerald Giam inquired about measures to assess skills transfer and economic impact of the ONE Pass, and the Minister indicated that while there are no formal requirements for reporting professional activities, the ministry aims to foster collaboration and mentorship opportunities for local professionals.

• Approximately 3,000 ONE Passes were issued in 2024, with about 16% being new entrants.
• The primary sectors employing ONE Pass holders include financial and insurance services, information and communication, and professional services.
• The conversion of existing Work Pass holders to ONE Pass is aimed at retaining talent in Singapore.
• The ONE Pass can be revoked for inactivity without justification or legal non-compliance, with only one revocation occurring to date due to a drink driving conviction.