Five Singaporeans charged for alleged involvement in illegal labour importation syndicate

On 25 July 2024, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) charged five Singaporeans for offences involving the illegal importation of labour under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (“EFMA”).

Case Details

2 The five Singaporeans, Tan Tai Ji, Leong Kwai Tong, Sim Kian Boon, Terence, Neo Hock Guan Roy, and Cheng Tee Howe, are alleged to have conspired to submit work pass applications for foreigners under shell companies in exchange for monetary payment. A total of 13 shell companies are alleged to have been set up under these five Singaporeans’ names. These companies were non-operational, did not require the employment of foreigners, and failed to employ them after their arrival in Singapore.

3 A total of 17 foreigners have also been charged for offences under the EFMA. Most were alleged to have obtained work passes through these companies without having an intention to work. Ten out of the 17 foreigners have been convicted and sentenced.

4 The details of the charges against the five Singaporeans are set out in the Annex below.

Penalties for Illegal Labour Importation and Illegal Employment

5 Under the EFMA, persons convicted of obtaining work passes for foreign employees for a business that does not exist, that is not in operation or that does not require the employment of such a foreign employee, and fails to employ the foreign employee, can be imprisoned for between six months and two years, and fined up to $6,000 per charge. If convicted of six or more charges, caning can also be imposed.

6 If convicted, employers who employ foreigners without a valid work pass face a fine of between $5,000 and $30,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Upon conviction, MOM may also bar them from employing foreign workers.

7 If convicted, foreigners who work in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Upon conviction, MOM will also bar them from working in Singapore.

8 Members of the public who are aware of suspicious employment activities such as foreigners obtaining work passes under false auspices or working without valid work passes should report the matter to MOM at mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.

Annex