Yes The text explicitly states that the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore is encouraging migrant workers to report any instances of kickback practices they may have encountered, and that workers with valid claims will be allowed a change of employment if they wish to continue working in Singapore.

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is encouraging migrant workers in the city-state to come forward early and report any instances of kickback practices they may have encountered. This follows a recent case where a contracting company collected illegal fees as a condition for work pass renewals. In a Facebook post, the ministry emphasized that workers with valid claims will be allowed a change of employment if they wish to continue working in Singapore.

The highlighted case involved Lian Cheng Contracting Pte Ltd, where an operations manager allegedly collected kickbacks totaling SG$396,440 from 57 migrant workers between 2014 and 2020. These payments were required for their continued employment or work pass renewal. Adrian Quek, divisional director at the ministry's Foreign Manpower Management Division, described the case as one of the largest of its kind that the ministry has investigated so far.

Singapore relies on a workforce of more than 1.5 million foreign workers as of last June, according to the ministry's latest data. It is crucial for migrant workers to have faith in their employers and feel safe reporting any instances of wrongdoing. The Ministry of Manpower is committed to ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and justly.

It should also be noted that the ministry has put measures into place to protect workers who choose to come forward and report these practices. Workers with valid claims will be allowed a change of employment if they wish to continue working in Singapore. The ministry is committed to investigating and taking appropriate action against any employers found guilty of such practices.

In conclusion, it is important for migrant workers in Singapore to feel safe reporting any instances of wrongdoing or kickback practices. The Ministry of Manpower is committed to ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and justly. Employers who engage in such practices will be subject to investigation and appropriate action by the ministry.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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