58 arrested for employment offences in raids at public entertainment outlets

Investigations are ongoing.

MOM has been closely monitoring the hiring of foreign performing artistes under the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme through regular compliance and enforcement checks.

“In the light of the persistent abuse, MOM has reviewed the scheme and will be announcing changes to it soon,” the statement said.

Mr Adrian Quek, divisional director of the ministry’s foreign manpower management division, said that it will not tolerate any abuse of the work pass framework.

“Foreign workers must be engaged in legitimate employment. We will continue to take strong enforcement action against those who abuse the system and undermine the integrity of our work pass controls,” he said.

Those convicted of employing a foreigner without a valid work pass may face a fine of between $5,000 and $30,000, jailed for up to one year or both.

Self-employed foreigners without a valid work pass may be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to two years or both. They will also be barred from working in Singapore upon conviction.

Earlier in October, MOM said

for hiring foreign workers without a valid work pass in Singapore.

About 200 of them were prosecuted or fined annually.

The rest, mainly cases involving first-time offenders or illegal employment over a short period, were given a warning.