Who's required to stay for cases: MOM
- The Straits Times (22 August 2012) : Who's required to stay for cases: MOM
- The Straits Times (16 August 2012) : Queries on special-pass foreigners
Who's required to stay for cases: MOM
- The Straits Times, 22 August 2012
We wish to clarify points raised in Mr Alex Tang's letter (“Queries on special-pass foreigners?”).
2. Foreigners who are assisting the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) with investigations into employment-related offences are issued with Special Passes (SP) which legitimise their stay in Singapore.
3. Only those who are key witnesses are required to remain in Singapore till the case is concluded. MOM facilitates the repatriation of those who do not wish to stay after they have given their statements to MOM and are no longer required for investigations. At no point does MOM put SP holders under 'house arrest'.
4. SP holders are allowed and encouraged to take up employment either on a new 2-year work pass or on a temporary basis under the Temporary Jobs Scheme till the conclusion of their cases.
5. MOM ensures that all investigations are conducted expeditiously. Depending on the nature and complexity of the cases, some cases may require a longer investigation period.
Queries on special-pass foreigners
- The Straits Times, 16 August 2012
There are many foreigners who are holding special passes because they were cheated by their employers or agents.
Their passports are impounded and they are not allowed to seek employment while waiting for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to prosecute the errant employers and agents.
They have to remain in Singapore as witnesses against the employers or agents until the cases are over. They are put under "house arrest" and are required to report weekly at the MOM to have their stay extended.
How long can these workers survive without work? Where do they stay? How long does it take, on average, to close each case? And are there many cases that need more than a year to close?