Employers prosecuted for illegal hiring of foreign workers average 200 cases a year, says Singapore's MOM
Between 2021 and 2024, an average of 420 employers were investigated yearly for hiring foreigners without valid work passes in Singapore, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). About half faced prosecution or fines, while others received warnings for minor violations.
- From 2021 to 2024, an average of 420 employers were caught annually for hiring foreigners without valid work passes in Singapore.
- About 200 were prosecuted or fined each year, with others warned for minor or first-time offences.
- MOM reiterated that foreigners on tourist or student visas cannot provide paid services without proper passes.
SINGAPORE: An average of 420 employers were taken to task each year between 2021 and 2024 for hiring foreign workers without valid work passes, according to data released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on 13 October.
About 200 employers were prosecuted or fined annually, while the remainder—mainly first-time offenders or those involved in short-term illegal employment—were issued warnings, MOM said in response to media queries.
According to a report by The Straits Times, an MOM spokesperson emphasised that “foreigners must possess valid work passes to work in Singapore.”
Businesses and individuals must ensure that such passes are obtained before any work commences, he said, adding that this requirement has long been in place.
The ministry added that it considers various factors when determining penalties, including the duration of the offence and the number of illegal workers involved.
On 11 September, MOM and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore) jointly reminded the public that foreigners on tourist or student visas are not permitted to provide creative services locally.
MOM said it employs data analytics and enforcement checks to detect and act against employers who breach work visa regulations.
Under Singapore law, foreigners working without valid work passes face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. They may also be barred from entering or working in the country in future.
Employers who hire such workers can be fined up to S$30,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both. The penalties apply to both individuals and companies.
MOM noted that certain short-term or sporadic activities are eligible for work pass exemptions. Examples listed on its website include journalism assignments, junket activities, and location filming.
Those intending to engage in exempted work must inform MOM after arrival and before starting, and can only perform such work for up to 90 days per calendar year.
The ministry said it evaluates eligibility for exemptions based on factors such as whether the work is temporary in nature and whether it affects local employment opportunities.
Further information on exempted activities can be found on the MOM website.
Foreign students may visit here for details on their work eligibility.
