Rationale for Further Consultations with AGC on Further Action to be Taken against Parti Liyani's Previous Employer
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the rationale for further consultations with the Attorney-General’s Chambers regarding actions against Parti Liyani’s former employers, as raised by Mr Derrick Goh. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo stated that punitive actions are based on the extent of illegal deployment and its impact on the worker’s well-being. She noted that the initial actions taken in 2018 were consistent with past cases, where the majority of enforcement actions involved non-financial penalties like Cautions and Advisory Notices. Between 2017 and 2019, the Ministry received an average of 550 complaints annually, resulting in an average of 155 enforcement actions per year. A review of this case is currently underway following observations from the High Court, and a further update will be provided once it is completed.
Transcript
55 Mr Derrick Goh asked the Minister for Manpower what is the rationale for further consultations with AGC to decide on what further action ought to be taken against Parti Liyani's previous employer when the Ministry has previously issued a warning to the employer in 2018.
Mrs Josephine Teo: In determining punitive actions for illegal deployment, MOM's key considerations are the degree to which the well-being of the Foreign Domestic Worker has been compromised, and the extent of the illegal deployment. Ms Parti Liyani's case of illegal deployment was handled by the Ministry of Manpower in accordance with these considerations.
At the conclusion of MOM's investigations in May 2018, in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), the Ministry took no further action against Mr Liew. A Caution was issued to Mrs Liew, and an Advisory Notice to Mr Karl Liew. The actions taken against the three individuals were in line with actions taken in past similar cases.
From 2017 to 2019, there were an average of 550 complaints of illegal deployment each year. Of these, MOM took actions against an average of 155 employers per year for illegally deploying their Foreign Domestic Workers. About 60 of them were issued with an Advisory Notice. 80 were issued with a Caution. On average, 16 employers were issued with financial penalties each year, ranging from $3,300 to $24,000.
There is a review ongoing for this particular case, arising from the High Court's observations. MOM will give an update when the review is completed.