The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) charged a Singaporean with one count of conducting unlicensed Employment Agency (EA) activities without a valid EA license in court today (27 Dec).
Mohamed Yasin S/O Hameed Sultan (45) pleaded guilty to his charge, he was convicted and fined $30,000, in default eight weeks’ imprisonment. In addition, he will also be barred from holding an EA license.
It was heard in court, MOM’s investigations found out that between November 2014 and May 2015, Yasin performed EA activities by distributing pamphlets and advertisements, and facilitating job placement overseas without a valid license.
Three foreign workers had engaged him to secure employment in Canada, after being attracted by pamphlets promising jobs there, paying thousands of dollars for non-existent jobs. He also had collected their bio data for the purpose of job migration and assisted to secure employment in Canada.
The MOM stated those convicted of performing employment agency activities without a valid license can be fined up to $80,000 or jailed a minimum of two years. And any person or company who uses the services of an unlicensed EA has committed an offense and is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000 per charge.
MOM advises job seekers to use only MOM-licensed EAs. They can be verified through the EA Directory on MOM’s website.
When the public have any information on unlicensed EA activities, they should report the matter to MOM or call 6438 5122. All information will be kept strictly confidential, MOM stated.
