Requirements on Overseas Retailers for Supply of Labour on Installation Works
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether overseas retailers can supply labor for installations in Singapore without valid work permits and how enforcement ensures a level playing field for local businesses. MP Ong Teng Koon raised concerns regarding Malaysian retailers performing installations in Singaporean homes without the requisite permits. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo clarified that all foreign workers must hold a valid Work Pass and that offenders face penalties including fines, imprisonment, or bans under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. She stated that the Ministry of Manpower penalizes hundreds of illegal workers annually and relies on information provided by the public to take enforcement action. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry conducts due diligence on all reports to ensure that overseas retailers do not flout local labor regulations.
Transcript
12 Mr Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether overseas retailers of consumer goods are allowed to supply labour to install such goods in Singapore for Singapore customers if such labour do not have the requisite permits to work in Singapore; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry has any enforcement plans to keep the playing field level for local retailers.
The Minister for Manpower (Mrs Josephine Teo): Mr Speaker, foreigners working in Singapore must hold a valid Work Pass, and those who install consumer goods such as furniture and air-conditioning from overseas retailers are not exempted from this requirement. This helps to ensure that all businesses are operating on a level playing field.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, illegal workers can be fined a maximum of $20,000 or subjected to imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also taken action to bar such illegal workers from entering and working in Singapore for up to two years. Anyone with information on such illegal workers should report to MOM. Information can be found on our website.
Mr Ong Teng Koon (Marsiling-Yew Tee): I wish to ask the Minister, as a clarification, whether she can give more assurances to small businesses. For example, a resident whom I visited was a furniture reseller. Can there be assurance that MOM is doing what it can to try and level the playing field to protect our businesses? A lot of them feel aggrieved that they have been prejudiced by retailers from Malaysia who cross the Causeway and help to deliver and install furniture in consumers' houses in Singapore.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Mr Speaker, I can give the assurance to the Member as well as the furniture retailers that we take this seriously. Every year, we take several hundred employers, several hundred of such illegal workers to task. It is not enforcement action in theory. Enforcement action is actually carried out. If there is any reason to suspect that such overseas retailers are indeed flouting the rules, please help us by letting us know so that we can take action.
Mr Ong Teng Koon: Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister whether she can clarify how we can take action against retailers who are registered businesses outside of Singapore.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Mr Speaker, we do not take action against them for being retailers registered outside Singapore. We are saying that if they carry out activities that are against our rules, let us know if you observe such incidents happening. Our enforcement officers cannot be in every household that is installing furniture. We rely very much on information. Of course, whenever the information is received, we also have to do our due diligence and to follow up quickly.