Number of Foreign Students Caught Working Illegally in 2022 and Actions Taken against Hiring Companies

34 Mr Mark Chay asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether an update can be provided on the number of foreign students caught working illegally in 2022; and (b) what actions have been taken against the companies that hired these foreign students who worked illegally.

Dr Tan See Leng: Foreign students issued with a Student’s Pass should be here to study. Student's Pass Holders who wish to work must have a valid Work Pass other than if they study in a recognised educational institution, where they can then work up to 16 hours a week, or if they work under an industrial attachment that is part of the course.

In 2022, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) took enforcement action against 38 Student’s Pass holders for working illegally. All of these Student’s Pass Holders were warned for committing an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Their Student’s Passes were cancelled by the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and they were barred from working in Singapore.

The 21 employers who hired these Student’s Pass holders illegally were also taken to task – 11 received stern warnings, nine were issued composition fines and one was prosecuted.