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SRC Recruitment under investigation by MOM over Carousell ads

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has served a notice of licence suspension to employment agency (EA), SRC Recruitment, over advertisements marketing foreign domestic workers (FDWs) on online marketplace, Carousell.

In a media statement issued yesterday, MOM noted that SRC Recruitment can no longer emplace any new FDWs.

Investigations are currently underway and MOM looks to take prosecution actions for infringements under the Employment Agencies Act (EAA).

When MOM was first alerted to the postings on Carousell on 14 September 2018, a Facebook post was put out immediately to warn EAs against such practices. MOM also told Carousell to take down the offending posts.

Kevin Teoh, commissioner for employment agencies, said: “The MOM is committed to protecting the well-being of FDWs in Singapore.  We strongly condemn the advertising of FDW services in an undignified manner. Advertising FDWs on an internet platform meant for trading goods is completely inappropriate and unacceptable. Such an act is an offence under the EAA. The Ministry takes a very serious view on this matter, and we will not hesitate to take prosecution actions on errant EAs.”

MOM expects all EAs to exercise a duty of care towards their clients, including FDWs. The Ministry sternly warns EAs against similar actions that would denigrate the dignity of FDWs working in Singapore.

MOM is also in touch with the Indonesian Embassy and have informed them that we are investigating the case.

Minister for Manpower, Josephin Teo also spoke up yesterday to condemn the action in a Facebook post, saying: "I am deeply disturbed by the recent advertisements marketing foreign domestic workers (FDWS) on online marketing place, Carousell. Advertising and marketing FDWs in such an undignified manner is not only insensitive, but absolutely unacceptable."

Photo / 123RF

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