17 arrested in Singapore for suspected illegal employment and false work pass declarations

These individuals are suspected to be part of a syndicate that had allegedly hired foreign performing artistes for non-operational public entertainment outlets. 

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on 2 September that 17 individuals were arrested for suspected involvement in illegal employment and making false declarations in work pass applications.

According to MOM, the individuals are believed to be part of a syndicate that allegedly hired foreign performing artistes for non-operational public entertainment outlets.

Among those arrested were five male Singaporeans (aged between 31 and 37), who are current or former sole proprietors of seven public entertainment outlets, and a 34-year-old female Singaporean, who was the Key Appointment Holder of an employment agency in Singapore.

The remaining 11 individuals arrested were female work permit holders accused of making false declarations in their work pass applications. Their permits have since been revoked.

MOM also revoked the work passes of another 42 foreigners employed by the seven shell outlets, while the employment agency’s licence has been suspended. Investigations against all parties are ongoing.

These arrests are part of MOM's regular checks on Work Permit (Performing Artiste) holders. A similar operation in September 2024 saw 32 individuals arrested for related offences. Investigations into all parties are ongoing.

Penalties for employment offences 

Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), employers and work pass applicants must make truthful declarations to the Controller of Work Passes and can only hire foreigners with valid work passes.

Individuals convicted of making false declarations in work pass applications are liable to:

• A fine not exceeding S$20,000, jail up to two years, or both. Employers may also have their work pass privileges suspended, and the work pass applicant may be barred from working in Singapore.
• Foreigners working illegally or self-employed without a valid pass face the same penalties and will be barred from employment upon conviction.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious employment activities via MOM’s 'Report an infringement' eService. All information is kept confidential.

READ MORE: 11 individuals arrested in Singapore for giving false job information in construction sector