MOM investigates misuse of passes for foreign students, trainees after TWC2 raises exploitation claims

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched investigations into alleged misuse of the Training Employment Pass (TEP), a visa scheme intended to allow foreign students and corporate trainees to undertake short-term training stints in the country. In a statement responding to CNA’s queries, MOM said it “takes these claims seriously” and has already completed investigations into several cases, although some inquiries remain ongoing. The ministry declined to comment on the outcomes of the concluded cases, citing the continuing nature of related probes.

Purpose of the TEP and regulatory framework

The TEP allows foreign nationals to gain practical training in professional, managerial, executive or specialist roles in Singapore for up to three months. Companies can apply for TEPs if they wish to bring in foreign students or trainees from overseas subsidiaries. To hire a foreign student under this scheme, the individual must be pursuing a course of study and be enrolled at an acceptable institution, or earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000. The same salary threshold applies to trainees from foreign offices or subsidiaries. MOM stated that “additional checks and audits” are conducted for selected applications, including requests for training programme documentation and proof of links to foreign offices. The ministry cautioned that employers found misusing the scheme to bypass Singapore’s regulated work pass framework could face strict penalties. These include financial sanctions, work pass privilege suspensions, or even prosecution. Workers affected by potential abuses have been encouraged to contact MOM directly.

NGO TWC2 flags spike in exploitation of TEP holders

The allegations were first raised by Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a non-profit organisation supporting low-wage migrant workers. In a May 2025 report titled Management executives washing dishes, the group detailed 13 cases of TEP misuse between 1 December 2024 and 26 April 2025. TWC2 said it had “never before seen so many workers on this kind of work pass in such a short time,” with the affected individuals originating from India (six cases), Bangladesh (six), and Myanmar (one). These trainees, the NGO alleged, were deceived into paying substantial agent fees—between S$3,000 and S$5,000—on the promise of legitimate, well-paying jobs in Singapore. Upon arrival, they were made to work in low-wage sectors such as food and beverage, warehousing, cleaning services, and even at a tour coach agency.

False job descriptions and illegal deployment of workers

The job titles listed on In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters often misrepresented the actual work. For example, positions were labelled “management executive” while the tasks involved dishwashing or manual warehouse labour. Many of the trainees were made to work even before their TEPs were formally issued, a practice that TWC2 describes as illegal under Singapore regulations. According to the IPA documents, work must not begin until after the pass is issued. TWC2 stated that some employers delayed the official pass issuance by nearly 30 days, enabling them to extract four months of labour from a three-month pass. The affected workers were typically put to work immediately upon arrival, allegedly clocking 14-hour days, seven days a week.

Underpayment and lack of legal protection

While TEP regulations require a fixed salary of S$3,000, many workers reportedly received only S$1,600 to S$1,800 in cash. This discrepancy made it difficult for them to lodge successful legal claims or demonstrate contract breaches. Unlike Work Permit holders, TEP holders lack many standard protections. TWC2 added that MOM does not require employers to provide housing or food allowances for TEP workers, nor is there a legal requirement for employers to pay for repatriation costs once the training period ends.

Use of false documents and risk of legal complications

TWC2 also warned of the legal risks facing affected workers. Many are unaware of documents submitted on their behalf and are shocked to discover the possible use of false educational qualifications or digital declarations they may have unknowingly signed. These workers often don’t understand the significance of signing on a tablet and may have unknowingly affirmed false information, the organisation said. The NGO added that these workers often become aware of their situation only when their passes near expiry and promised renewals do not materialise. By this time, many are also dealing with issues like salary non-payment and excessive working hours.

Exploitation of regulatory loopholes

TWC2 suggested that some employers are intentionally misusing the TEP as a loophole to bypass more tightly regulated Work Permit quotas. Unlike Work Permits, the TEP scheme carries no quota or foreign worker levy obligations. Furthermore, there is no legal obligation for employers to cover healthcare or housing, making it a more cost-effective and less regulated option. Employers may also profit from recruitment fees and underpay workers, knowing complaints can be ignored, the NGO claimed.

TWC2 calls for MOMs action

In light of these revelations, TWC2 has called on MOM to intensify scrutiny of TEP applications. The NGO recommended the ministry start by closely examining employers’ stated justifications and the alignment between job descriptions and actual roles performed. The group emphasised that without enforcement, the system risks further abuse, undermining the credibility of Singapore’s foreign manpower framework and potentially harming the country’s international reputation.