Talent & Tech Asia Summit 2024
human resources online

MOM: 14 women arrested for suspected infringements under the EMFA

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore has reported the arrest of 14 women, aged between 32 and 44, for their suspected involvement in vice-related activities and infringements under the Employment of the Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA)

According to the release, in a joint operation mounted on 24 August 2017, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and MOM conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations island-wide including Jalan Besar, Selegie Road, Mackenzie Road, Serangoon Road, Woodlands, Ang Mo Kio and Jurong East, resulting in the arrests.

During the operation, items including two mobile phones and one desktop computer were also seized as case exhibits. Investigations by both the police and MOM on all the suspects and their employers are ongoing.

The report stated that under Section 146 (1) of the Women’s Charter, any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding S$10,000.

ALSO READ: Sisters convicted for fraudulently employing foreign workers as beauticians

MOM would like to remind all employers to make accurate, complete and truthful declarations to the Controller of Work Passes in the application of a work pass. Making false declarations is a serious offence.

Upon conviction, employers can be fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to two years or to both, per charge, under the EFMA.

MOM will also ban the employers from hiring foreigners. Individuals who abet the false declaration of the employer for the application of the work pass will similarly be taken to task. If convicted, they may also face a fine of up to $20,000 or jailed for up to two years or to both, per charge, under the EFMA.

Members of the public who have information on EFMA infringements such as false declarations in work pass applications, should report the matter to MOM. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

In the release, it stated that authorities take a serious view on vice activities as well as infringements under the EFMA, and will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against those pre-disposed to crime and illegal activities.

Photo / 123RF

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Related topics

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window