45 companies at Changi Airport investigated by Ministry of Manpower for suspected work pass offences

SINGAPORE: Around 45 companies involved in airport operations at Changi Airport are currently under investigation by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) due to suspected offences.

The offences are related to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA) and include false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers, MOM said in a media statement on Monday (Nov 2).

The statement says that MOM discovered Employment Pass (EP) holders deployed to perform baggage handling services during a recent inspection at Changi Airport. It added that initial investigations suggest the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false. In addition, there were other work pass holders who were performing baggage handling work, which was different from their declared occupations. 

So far, investigations have shown that about 270 workers may not have been deployed in compliance with work pass regulations. They have been employed by contractors and sub-contractors for SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services), which provides ground-handling, inflight catering, and aviation services at Changi Airport.

SATS has since been directed by MOM to strengthen its oversight of the companies that it has contracted, including verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes, as well as correcting any compliance deficiencies. 

An advisory has also been issued by the ministry to other companies that are involved in SATS’ operations, reminding them of their obligation to comply with the EFMA and applicable work pass requirements.

“MOM takes a serious view of work pass offences. Investigations are ongoing and MOM will take enforcement action if breaches of the EFMA are established. MOM will continue to conduct checks to ensure compliance with work pass requirements,” the statement says.

A false declaration in a work pass application may result in a fine of as much as S$20,000, a jail sentence of as long as two years, or both, under Singaporean law.

Moreover, employers found illegally deploying a foreign employee may face a financial penalty of up to S$10,000 and may also be barred from hiring work pass holders.

“Members of the public who are aware of suspected work pass infringements are encouraged to report them to MOM through its Report an Infringement eService. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential,” MOM added. /TISG

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