Singaporean Man Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Work Permits and Creating Shell Companies
Singaporean Qin Xiaoxi, a 30-year-old man, found himself in hot water on Thursday (Jan 9) as he faced a total of 23 charges related to illegal importation of labor, false declaration of employment, and illegal employment under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that Qin was the director of two companies, Xpress Manufacture and Express Manufacture, where he allegedly obtained work passes for 20 foreigners in exchange for money. However, investigations uncovered that these companies were non-operational and did not actually require the employment of foreign workers.
Allegations of Illegal Employment
Additionally, Qin was accused of employing two foreigners without valid work passes to work for Xpress Cleaning & Service, a company of which he was the sole owner. These individuals had originally obtained work passes under Xpress Manufacture and Express Manufacture, as Xpress Cleaning & Service did not have the necessary quota to hire foreign employees.
Serious Consequences
The consequences for such actions are severe under the EFMA. Those found guilty of obtaining work passes for non-existent businesses or failing to employ foreign workers can face up to two years in jail and fines up to S$6,000 (US$4,400) per charge. Furthermore, repeat offenders with six or more charges may also be subjected to caning as part of their punishment.
Legal Ramifications
Employers who illegally employ foreigners without valid work passes can face fines ranging from S$5,000 to S$30,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or a combination of both penalties. MOM has the authority to bar these individuals from hiring foreign workers upon conviction. Foreigners caught working in Singapore without proper permits can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to two years, or face both penalties, along with a potential employment ban in Singapore.
Reporting Suspicious Activities
It is crucial to report any suspicious employment activities to the authorities. MOM ensures that all information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. If you have any knowledge of similar fraudulent practices, do not hesitate to come forward and help maintain the integrity of Singapore’s labor market.