45 companies being investigated over suspected work pass breaches at Changi Airport

Inspections found EP holders performing baggage handling duties, with preliminary findings pointing to false salary and occupation declarations.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore is investigating about 45 companies involved in airport operations at Changi Airport over suspected offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA).

These include making false declarations in work pass applications and illegally deploying foreign workers.

During a recent inspection, MOM found Employment Pass (EP) holders carrying out baggage handling services.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false. Other work pass holders were also found performing baggage handling duties that differed from their declared occupations.

So far, investigations have identified around 270 workers whose deployment may not have complied with work pass regulations. The workers were employed by contractors and sub-contractors of SATS.

Following the findings, MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies it engages. This includes verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes and addressing any compliance gaps.

The ministry has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in SATS' operations, reminding them of their obligations under the EFMA and applicable work pass requirements.

Penalties for false declarations and illegal deployment

MOM said it takes a serious view of work pass offences. Investigations are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken if breaches of the EFMA are established.

The ministry will also continue conducting checks to ensure employers comply with work pass requirements.

Under the EFMA, employers found to have made false declarations in work pass applications may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Employers who illegally deploy a foreign employee may face a financial penalty of up to S$10,000. They may also be barred from hiring work pass holders.

Members of the public who are aware of suspected work pass infringements can report them to MOM through its Report an Infringement eService.

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