Whistleblower claims foreign students deliver parcels in Singapore without work permits

A whistleblower has raised concerns about foreign students and Process Construction and Maintenance (PCM) workers allegedly taking on jobs without proper authorisation in Singapore. The claims include a foreign student working as a parcel delivery person and PCM workers engaging in painting and cleaning jobs. The Online Citizen (TOC) received a tip-off from a concerned citizen, who shared photos and videos of a man, reportedly from India, delivering parcels in a landed residential area. In the footage, the man is seen pushing a trolley cart loaded with two bags of parcels as he moves through the neighbourhood.

Foreign student claims to be waiting for school to start

A WhatsApp audio shared with TOC captures a conversation between the whistleblower and the delivery person, who claimed to be studying "hospital management" in Singapore. The whistleblower asked if he had a valid work permit, and the man allegedly replied that he was in Singapore on a social visit pass and did not have a work permit, claiming that he was waiting for his school term to begin. When asked about agent fees, the student claimed to have paid aroung S$15,000 and S$5,000 for college fee. The student also revealed that he spends S$350 per month renting a room in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, which he reportedly shares with around 25 other people. According to a joint press release issued by HDB and URA, from January 2024 to 31 December 2026, the occupancy limit for larger HDB flats and private residential properties will be capped at a maximum of eight unrelated persons. The whistleblower further asked if the student was open to taking other delivery jobs, such as distributing advertisement flyers to letterboxes. He then pretended to take down the student’s phone number.

Facebook ad promotes "Work and Study" programme for Indian expatriates

A check on online sources found that hospitality management course fees in Singapore can vary significantly depending on the programme type and institution, ranging from around S$3,000 to over S$30,000. For example, the Diploma in Hospitality Management offered by Birmingham Academy has a total course fee of S$5,668, including GST. The course duration typically takes one year, comprising six months of theory and six months of industrial attachment. According to the whistleblower, some agents promise these foreigners a one-year contract, but in reality, they may only stay for three months with three months of on-the-job training. A Facebook advertisement targeting Indian expatriates in Singapore promoted a "Work and Study" programme offering a one-year diploma with paid on-the-job training at an affordable private college. It highlighted flexible fee instalments, direct admission without an agency, and courses in hospitality, business, sales, retail management, and business management.

Claims of PCM workers taking illegal jobs

Separately, the whistleblower shared photos and videos, purportedly taken at 15 Lembu Road near Mustafa Centre, showing a group of migrant workers gathering. He claimed that around 200 men could be seen waiting for pick-up between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. According to the whistleblower, employment agents bring in PCM workers due to the high commissions involved. These workers are reportedly going door to door offering painting and general cleaning services, despite being recruited under PCM work permits. The whistleblower accused some employers of misusing the system, alleging that they bring in workers purely for financial gain, even though the workers struggle to find jobs in the construction sector. He further argued that such activities harm local workers, as foreign labourers taking on these jobs allegedly undermine wages and job opportunities for Singaporeans.

https://youtube.com/shorts/h8OV50lEfSs?si=0PT81vpOlXFk6O8f

Ministry of Manpower contacted for clarification

The whistleblower’s allegations suggest potential breaches of employment regulations. TOC has contacted the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to clarify whether foreign students awaiting student pass approvals can work as delivery personnel and if PCM workers taking on painting and cleaning jobs violate regulations. As of 21 March evening, MOM has not responded, but TOC will provide updates if they do. Notably, a screenshot of the complaint shared by the whistleblower with TOC shows that the complaint against migrant workers allegedly delivering parcels and working without authorisation was filed on 11 February, yet over a month later, MOM has not responded. According to MOM’s website, the process sector includes industries like petroleum, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. PCM work involves the construction and maintenance of these plants, requiring specialised skills. Employers can hire workers from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) for PCM work, but they are restricted to these tasks. They are not allowed to perform other jobs, such as plant operations or peripheral services.

MOM and ICA's crackdown on illegal employment of foreign students

In August 2021, Workers' Party MP Louis Chua asked the Manpower Minister whether foreign students on a student pass are required to declare part-time work during the school term and requested annual data on student pass holders found working without the necessary work pass over the past five years. In response, Minister Dr Tan See Leng stated that foreign students on a Student’s Pass are primarily in Singapore to study and require a work pass to work, except under specific conditions. Student’s Pass holders may work up to 16 hours a week during term-time or take on an industrial attachment if it is part of their course requirements. The 16-hour limit helps students defray living expenses while ensuring their primary focus remains on their studies. Only students from 20 approved institutions, including local universities, polytechnics, and select foreign institutions, are eligible for this flexibility. MOM, MOE, and EDB strictly regulate this list, rejecting many appeals to expand it. Dr Tan emphasised that Singapore takes a firm stance against illegal work by Student’s Pass holders. From 2016 to 2020, MOM and ICA took action against 73 students found working illegally, none of whom were from approved institutions. Offenders face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, and deportation. Employers hiring foreign students illegally may face fines between S$5,000 and S$30,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, along with possible suspension of work pass privileges.