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

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched investigations into about 45 companies operating at Changi Airport after a recent inspection uncovered suspected work pass offences. The probe centres on contractors and sub-contractors of ground-handling firm SATS, where roughly 270 foreign workers may have been deployed in breach of work pass regulations.

MOM said the inspection revealed Employment Pass (EP) holders performing baggage-handling duties, a role inconsistent with the professional, managerial or technical occupations for which EPs are issued. Preliminary findings indicate that the salaries and job titles declared for these EP holders were inaccurate.

The ministry has instructed SATS to tighten oversight of its contractors and to ensure that foreign workers are deployed in line with the conditions of their work passes. An advisory has also been sent to other companies involved in SATS' operations, reminding them of their obligations under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

"Investigations are ongoing," the ministry said. "MOM will continue to conduct checks to ensure compliance with work pass requirements."

Under the Act, false declarations in work pass applications can attract fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Employers found illegally deploying foreign workers may face penalties of up to S$10,000 and could be barred from hiring work pass holders in the future. The public is encouraged to report suspected infringements via MOM's Report an Infringement eService.