Ministry of Manpower investigates 45 firms over work pass violations at Changi Airport

Around 45 companies connected to airport ground services provider SATS and its subcontractors are under investigation by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for suspected work pass offences, including false declarations and illegal deployment of foreign workers. MOM said a recent inspection identified roughly 270 workers whose employment may not have complied with work pass regulations, noting that some Employment Pass holders were assigned to baggage handling tasks contrary to their declared occupations.

Preliminary findings suggest that the salaries and job titles reported for these Employment Pass holders were inaccurate. MOM has directed SATS to tighten oversight of its contracted firms, ensuring that foreign workers are deployed in line with their work passes and that any compliance gaps are corrected. An advisory has also been issued to other companies involved in SATS operations, reminding them of their legal obligations regarding foreign manpower.

"MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies that they have contracted, which includes verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes, and rectifying any compliance deficiencies," the ministry said.

Violations carry penalties of up to S$20,000 in fines and up to two years' imprisonment for false work pass declarations, while illegal deployment may result in fines of up to S$10,000 and possible bans on hiring work pass holders. MOM urged the public to report any suspected infringements, assuring confidentiality for all information provided.