175 Singapore companies fined for failing to update work pass holders' residential addresses

These companies were fined between S$500 and S$2,000 per work pass holder, totalling more than S$1.1mn covering 196 work pass holders.

In the last two years, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has fined 175 companies for failing to update it on the residential addresses of 960 work pass holders. These companies had failed to do so despite repeated reminders through calls and e-mails by MOM, the ministry said in a press release on Wednesday (26 January 2022). They were fined between S$500 and S$2,000 for each work pass holder. Collectively, the fines totalled more than S$1.1mn.

In light of this, MOM stressed that under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations (EFMR), employers must keep the ministry informed of the residential addresses of their work pass holders via MOM’s Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) system. They must also update any change in residential addresses within five days of relocation.

The ministry stated: "The accuracy of this information is critical in facilitating communications to work pass holders, and for public health or emergency contact tracing purposes.

"Employers are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their workers, and to inform their workers to update them of any self-initiated changes in the latter’s residential address."

MOM noted that it will continue to take enforcement action against employers who fail to update their workers’ residential addresses in OFWAS promptly. Under the Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), failure to comply with EFMR conditions may result in a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or to both, per charge.

"We urge all employers of work pass holders to heed this reminder."

Photo / 123RF

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