Singapore issues advisory for foreign workers with regard to the Israel-Hamas conflict

As MOM states: "Foreigners working or living in Singapore should not use Singapore as a platform to further their political causes."

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued a joint advisory with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Internal Security Department (ISD), on the current Israel-Hamas conflict. 

As stated in the advisory, the foreign workforce in Singapore is advised on the following:

• Singapore has zero tolerance for any forms of extremism, violence, and terrorism. Anyone engaging in such acts will be severely dealt with under the Singapore law.
• Do not support or import foreign politics into Singapore. This includes the public display of materials such as banners, flags, and posters.
• Do not write, post, or share any information in-person or online which may stir up emotions that results in violence or cause hatred among different races or religions. Doing so is an offence and punishable under Singapore law. Offenders may be barred from working in Singapore.
• Do not speculate or spread unverified information on the Israel-Hamas conflict that may cause discomfort to others.
• If you would like to make donations to help the victims of the conflict, do it through official channels such as The Singapore Red Cross Society, or the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation. This is to ensure that donations are used for genuine purposes.
• Do not send money or support any terrorist group, as it is an offence under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act. If convicted, you could be jailed and/or fined.
• Stay vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious activities or persons who may display signs of radicalisation to the police at 1800-255-0000 or the Internal Security Department at 1800-2626-473.  

As MOM states: "Foreigners working or living in Singapore should not use Singapore as a platform to further their political causes. We would also like to remind everyone to engage in responsible and respectful discussions on this sensitive topic."

In a separate advisory on 8 October, the Ministry of Home Affairs said: "Singaporeans should avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria.

"Singaporeans are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel in view of the ongoing conflict."

Lead image / Ministry of Manpower