Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

14 Jan 2019

Tuberculosis Cases among Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore in Last Five Years

Over the last five years, an average of 146 new foreign domestic worker (FDW) applicants per year were diagnosed with active TB during work permit screening, and about 200 existing FDW work permit holders per year were diagnosed with active TB.
FDWs are required to undergo TB screening within two weeks of arrival and again after two years in Singapore; those found with active TB are denied work permits and must return home unless their employers provide support.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that early medical attention for TB symptoms, strict adherence to treatment via Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), and employer support are critical to prevent transmission and ensure cure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Supporting Psychosocial Needs of Migrant and Domestic Workers in Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides support for migrant and domestic workers through the Settling-In Programme, which educates them on Singapore’s social norms, employment rights, and stress management, and works with NGOs and centres like the Migrant Workers' Centre to offer recreational facilities and counselling services.
Migrant workers face psychosocial stress from being away from family, adjusting to a new culture, and often being first-time migrants, but current data does not show higher mental illness risks by nationality or sector, and the Institute of Mental Health has seen stable, low numbers of foreign worker cases.
Employers are responsible for the medical costs of their foreign workers, including mental health conditions, but standard insurance schemes typically exclude mental illness, with optional riders available from some insurers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Nov 2018

Impact of Foreign Student Holiday Work Passes on Jobs and Internships for Singaporean Graduates and Undergraduates

The Work Holiday Programme allows up to 2,000 foreign students and young graduates from nine countries to work and holiday in Singapore for up to six months, with an average of 2,800 passes issued annually from 2015 to 2017.
The Ministry of Manpower does not track the specific jobs or industries of work holiday pass holders, and some may not work at all.
The programme has not affected job or internship opportunities for Singaporean graduates, with nine in 10 graduates employed within six months of graduation, similar to before the programme began.
Internship participation rates have remained stable for polytechnics and increased for autonomous universities, with high percentages of students completing internships and many overseas placements available.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Foreign Domestic Workers Borrowing from Legal and Illegal Moneylenders

The Minister reported a sharp increase in foreign domestic workers borrowing from licensed moneylenders, from 1,500 in 2016 to 28,000 in the first half of 2018, alongside a rise in harassment reports from unlicensed moneylenders from 2013 to 2018.
The Ministry of Law announced new measures to protect borrowers, including aggregate loan caps for all foreigners in Singapore and a self-exclusion framework to help individuals control their borrowing habits.
The Ministry of Manpower will impose administrative actions, including work pass revocation and repatriation, against work pass holders found borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders, to be implemented in 2019 after an education period.
Enhanced borrower protections for licensed moneylenders include caps on fees and interest rates, as well as prohibitions on abusive practices like rolling over loans or split loans to charge extra fees.
Government agencies will continue to monitor the situation, collaborate on enforcement, and provide support through voluntary welfare organisations and migrant worker centres.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Complaints against Employers for Overinflating Employees’ Salaries

Over the past five years, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) received an average of around 8,300 annual salary claims from employees who received less than their rightful pay, with over half being foreign workers, more than 80% rank-and-file employees, and fewer than 10% above 60 years old.
Since 2017, the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) and Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) have helped about 90% of employees with salary claims recover their salaries in full, with around 80% of cases settled amicably through mediation.
MOM has taken enforcement action against employers for falsely declaring inflated salaries to gain foreign work pass privileges, with about 70 employers dealt with annually since 2013 under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, facing penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and warnings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Cases of Foreign Domestic Workers Borrowing and Defaulting on Loans from Licensed and Unlicensed Moneylenders

The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Law reported that the number of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) taking loans from licensed moneylenders increased from about 1,500 in 2016 to 28,000 in the first half of 2018, with the majority repaying their loans and default rates remaining low.
The government has introduced new measures, including aggregate loan caps and a self-exclusion framework, to protect FDWs from over-borrowing, and will implement a rule in 2019 to revoke work passes and bar from re-employment any FDW found borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders.
Employers are not liable for their FDWs’ loans from licensed moneylenders, but harassment by moneylenders should be reported to the police; the government is also enhancing education on money management and will consider a case-by-case approach for FDWs debarred due to unlicensed borrowing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Oct 2018

Work Permit Holders Hired under Direct R1 Pathway or Market-Based Skills Recognition Framework

In the past three years, about 91,700 Work Permit holders were hired under the R1 (Skilled) status pathway, which includes the Direct R1 and Market-Based Skills Recognition Frameworks.
Employers must declare true salaries during Work Permit applications and renewals, with random inspections and investigations conducted when underpayment or false declarations are reported; in 2017, 61 employers were investigated and 18 faced penalties for false salary declarations.
Electronic payment of salaries is already legally required if requested by the worker, and the Ministry is considering making it mandatory for all Work Permit holders to enhance verification of minimum salary compliance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Oct 2018

Proposed Watchlist for Companies that Discriminate Based on Attributes Like Gender and Ethnicity

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not maintain a watchlist for discrimination based on gender or ethnicity, as such cases are more readily substantiated and can lead to immediate sanctions like debarring Work Pass applications.
For nationality-based discrimination, which is less apparent, MOM uses a watchlist to scrutinize Work Pass applications and may debar employers if they fail to improve.
Employers are expected to follow Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) engages with companies to improve practices when complaints are received.
MOM and TAFEP urge workers to report any discrimination promptly, and all complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary assured that MOM works closely with TAFEP and employers to build inclusive workplaces and eradicate all forms of discrimination.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Oct 2018

Trend of Illegal Foreign Worker Dormitories Discovered over Last Three Years

The number of illegal foreign worker housing cases discovered has remained stable over the last three years, with 24 instances found in HDB flats in 2017.
MOM and HDB investigate all complaints and take enforcement actions against employers and flat owners, including fines, debarment, prosecution, and revocation of rental approvals.
MOM collaborates with agencies like HDB, URA, and SCDF to review housing standards and conduct inspections, with 3,900 employers and dormitory operators penalized between 2015 and 2017.
MOM maintains a strict enforcement stance and continues to monitor the situation to ensure proper housing and fire safety for foreign workers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Oct 2018

Basis for ICA's Blacklisting of Ms Clare Rewcastle-Brown

The Minister stated that ICA evaluates entry based on national interests and security, using its own and foreign partner information, but generally does not confirm or deny blacklisting.
Ms Clare Rewcastle-Brown was allowed entry into Singapore on 14 September 2018 and was not denied entry, completing her exit interview in 16 minutes.
The Minister emphasized that Ms Brown was not blacklisted, as she was not stopped during entry and the questioning upon departure was standard procedure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Oct 2018

Evaluation Process for Approving Citizenship Applications by PR Spouses of Singaporeans

The evaluation process for citizenship applications by PR spouses of Singaporeans involves multiple layers of checks and assessments based on criteria such as the Singaporean sponsor’s ability to support the spouse, length of marriage, and presence of children.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not disclose the specific grounds for rejecting applications to prevent abuse of detailed criteria and to avoid potential diplomatic issues arising from rejected applicants stirring sentiment in other countries.
The government assures that specific deserving cases raised to their attention will be carefully reassessed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Sep 2018

Proportion of Foreign Domestic Workers with Off-day Stipulated in Contract

Christopher de Souza questioned the effectiveness of the 2013 policy in ensuring foreign domestic workers have an off day stipulated in their contract and actually receive physical, emotional, and mental rest.
The Ministry of Manpower highlighted that since 2013, all work permits require a weekly rest day or compensation, leading to a significant rise in workers with at least one monthly rest day from 53% in 2010 to 98% in 2015.
Surveys also show an increase in workers getting four rest days monthly, from 25% in 2010 to 56% in 2015, with over 95% reporting their workload was manageable, suggesting sufficient rest.
The Ministry noted low complaints about overwork and plans a further survey in 2019 to update these findings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Sep 2018

Data on Citizen Deaths

Leon Perera requested the Ministry to release data on Singapore citizen deaths over the last 10 years, distinguishing them from resident deaths, and asked when citizen deaths are projected to exceed citizen births based on demographic forecasts.
Teo Chee Hean, representing the Prime Minister, reported that resident deaths rose from about 16,200 in 2008 to 19,800 in 2017, while citizen deaths increased from approximately 15,600 in 2008 to 19,100 in 2017.
Based on current trends, citizen deaths are projected to exceed citizen births around the mid-2030s.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Sep 2018

Actions Against People Smugglers

Christopher de Souza questioned the Minister for Home Affairs on actions taken to prosecute people smugglers
The Minister responded that between 2016 and July 2018, eleven individuals were charged and successfully prosecuted under the Immigration Act
Those convicted received imprisonment sentences ranging from six to 30 months and caning of up to six strokes
The Minister noted people smuggling is a transnational crime, and Singapore cooperates with foreign counterparts through information exchanges and law enforcement collaboration

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Sep 2018

Enforcement Actions Taken against Agencies Charging Foreign Workers above Cap for Agency Fees

Between 2015 and 2017, MOM took enforcement actions against 23 employment agencies for exceeding the fee cap, resulting in three prosecutions and licence revocations, while helping workers recover excess fees.
MOM shares information with foreign embassies when fee malpractices are suspected, as it cannot regulate agents in workers' home countries, to combat such practices abroad.
Employers must declare salary terms and deductions in In-Principle Approval letters sent to workers before departure, and cannot increase deductions without written agreement and MOM notification.
Foreign workers are advised to report unauthorized salary deductions to MOM promptly, and a Settling-in Programme will educate new non-Malaysian workers on their rights starting in October 2018.
Additional measures include requiring salary deductions to comply with the Employment Act and ensuring workers are informed of their terms in native languages to prevent over-indebtedness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Sep 2018

Success of Foreign Worker Ambassador Programme in Increasing Well-being of Foreign Workers

The Foreign Worker Ambassador programme, launched in November 2014, has grown from about 300 to 2,600 volunteers by September 2018, with foreign workers providing peer support on employment rights, safety, and social norms.
Ambassadors like Saiful conduct briefings benefiting over 1,000 workers, while others like Bava and Raj raise awareness on various issues and help resolve salary disputes, with some recipients later joining the programme.
The Ministry of Manpower collaborates with the Migrant Workers' Centre to continue expanding the ambassador pool and strengthen peer support networks for foreign workers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Cases of Underaged Domestic Helpers for Past Five Years and Actions Taken against Errant Agencies

The Ministry of Manpower reported that over the past five years, approximately 130 foreign domestic workers per year were found to be under the minimum age requirement of 23.
Since 2013, over 100 employment agencies have faced penalties ranging from warnings to prosecution, with two recent cases resulting in maximum fines and licence revocation.
MOM employs a multi-layered approach including upstream checks by agencies, mandatory programmes for workers, visual checks, and permanent debarment for violations, while urging employers to report suspected underaged helpers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Adverse Records Given to Foreign Workers

Kok Heng Leun asked how adverse records are attached to foreign workers, whether unsubstantiated employer allegations count, how workers can know if they have such records, and what avenues exist to clear their names.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that adverse records are given for breaches of Singapore laws or Ministry of Manpower regulations, not based on unsubstantiated employer allegations, and workers are heard before any action.
She noted workers are aware of any offences due to enforcement actions taken and can appeal against decisions as provided by the relevant legislation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Expunging Police Reports Made by Private Parties against Other Private Parties but Not Pursued

Kok Heng Leun asked whether private police reports are closed or expunged when investigations do not follow, how long before such closure, and if unproven allegations are firewalled from immigration decisions.
K Shanmugam stated that police reports are reviewed and retained for potential future reference, and that investigations proceed only if warranted by the assessment.
He clarified that immigration and work pass applications are assessed on individual merits, including any criminal or security antecedents, with no absolute right for foreigners to receive passes.
If a foreigner is under investigation for an offense, their pass application may be held pending conclusion of the investigation, as such factors are relevant to the assessment.
The response implies that unproven allegations alone do not automatically block pass decisions, but ongoing investigations can affect eligibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Foreign Domestic Worker Grant Eligibility for Those with Mentally Disabled Parents Living in Separate Households

Murali Pillai questioned why the FDW Grant treats differently the employment of foreign domestic workers by children to care for mentally disabled parents in separate households versus direct employment by the parents themselves through their children’s sponsorship.
The Minister explained that the grant, which provides $120 monthly, assesses eligibility based on the household income of the FDW employer to target lower- and middle-income families, regardless of whether the FDW is employed by a family member in a separate household or the care recipient.
The government consistently evaluates the financial means of the employer’s household to ensure aid goes to those directly responsible for paying the FDW salary, but will consider appeals from families with extenuating circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source