Ongoing efforts to educate vulnerable workers and protect their interests

We thank Mr V. Balu for his letter “Do more to protect job seekers from unscrupulous agencies” (Nov 5). We agree that vulnerable workers must not be exploited by employment agencies when seeking job opportunities.

Under the Employment Agencies Act, employment agencies (EAs) are only allowed to charge fees from workers up to one month of their fixed monthly salary for each year of service, capped at two months’ salary.

EAs must provide itemised receipts to ensure transparency of fees and refund the workers half of the fees if their employment is terminated within six months. EAs must not collect fees upfront before a placement has been secured.

We will not hesitate to take action against errant EAs.

We also have ongoing efforts to educate workers on their employment rights and the available channels to seek help. For instance, migrant workers are required to attend the mandatory Settling-In Programme when they first arrive in Singapore. They are also updated on relevant employment matters through the FWMOMCare App and at public roadshows.

We encourage all workers to report employment issues they face as early as possible, by contacting the Ministry of Manpower via our eService “Report an infringement” or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (www.tal.sg/tadm/contact-us).

Liang Yahui

Director (Operations & Licensing)

Foreign Manpower Management Division

Ministry of Manpower