About 45 companies involved in Changi Airport operations are under investigation for suspected work-pass offences, including false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on 2 November that it had identified about 270 workers whose deployment may have breached work-pass regulations. They were employed by SATS contractors and subcontractors.
Employment Pass Holders Found Handling Baggage
The investigation follows a recent airport inspection, during which MOM found Employment Pass (EP) holders carrying out baggage handling duties.
Early checks by MOM indicate that the salaries and job titles declared for these EP holders were not true.
Foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians are the group the EP is designed for.
Inspectors also found other work-pass holders handling baggage despite having different declared occupations.
SATS Directed to Strengthen Contractor Oversight
MOM has instructed SATS to improve its oversight of the companies it contracts.
This includes checking that foreign workers perform work permitted by their passes and addressing any compliance gaps.
Other companies involved in SATS’ operations have also received an advisory from the ministry about their duties under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and work-pass rules.
Investigations remain ongoing. MOM said it would take enforcement action if breaches are established and continue conducting compliance checks.
False Declarations Can Carry Jail Terms
Making a false declaration in a work-pass application can result in a fine of up to S$20,000, up to two years’ jail, or both.
An employer who deploys a foreign employee illegally can face a financial penalty of as much as S$10,000 and may lose the right to employ work-pass holders.
Anyone who suspects an infringement can flag it through MOM’s Report an Infringement eService, and MOM said it would keep all information confidential.
