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The case involves 14 alleged false work pass applications under EFMA, with migrant workers reportedly deployed to massage and spa roles instead of declared food processing jobs, alongside a S$500 kickback allegation.
Two Singaporeans and an employment agency have been charged in court for alleged offences under Singapore’s Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), involving false declarations in work pass applications and the alleged collection of kickbacks linked to migrant worker employment.
The charges, filed on 28 May 2026, involve three parties:
- Zhao Yanxiao, a 43-year-old Singaporean Employment Agency Personnel,
- Hu Yuping, a 58-year-old Singaporean manager of a massage establishment, and
- Wonderful Agency.
Alleged false declarations in 14 work pass applications
Investigations found that between December 2024 and August 2025, Zhao, who was working as an Employment Agency Personnel with Wonderful Agency, allegedly made false declarations in 14 work pass applications.
These applications were submitted under the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List (NTS-OL) scheme.
Zhao allegedly declared that migrant workers were employed as food processing workers with a monthly salary of $2,000.
However, investigations revealed that the workers were instead deployed to massage parlours, beauty salons, and spa establishments, where they performed non-food processing duties. It is also alleged that they were not paid the salaries stated in the applications.
Alleged abetment and kickback linked to employment
In a separate set of charges, Hu, manager of a massage establishment, is alleged to have abetted the false declaration of a migrant worker’s job role.
Hu allegedly assisted Wonderful Agency in declaring the worker as a food processing employee, when the worker was in fact deployed as a masseuse. Hu is also accused of obtaining a $500 kickback from the migrant worker as a condition for employment.
EFMA penalties for false declarations and kickbacks
The details of the charges are set out in court documents.
Under EMFA, making false declarations in work pass applications carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
The offence of collecting kickbacks carries a higher maximum penalty of a fine of up to $30,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Individuals or entities convicted may also be barred from employing foreign workers, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
MOM stresses accuracy in work pass applications
MOM said all employers and employment agencies must ensure that all work pass declarations are accurate, complete, and truthful. It added that false declarations undermine the integrity of Singapore’s work pass framework and may expose vulnerable migrant workers to exploitation.
MOM reiterated that it will take strong enforcement action against breaches of the EFMA.
Public urged to report suspected offences
MOM encouraged members of the public who are aware of suspicious employment practices or possible EFMA breaches to report them via MOM’s “Report an infringement” eService. All reports will be treated confidentially.
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