A firm and its general manager are charged over an unlicensed dorm for 173 workers, while about 45 airport companies are investigated for work pass offences
Two MOM cases in one week: employers are responsible for where their workers live and what work they do.
1. What Happened
Unlicensed dormitory (29 Oct 2026):
- A contractor and its general manager were charged under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA)
- MOM inspected a Sungei Kadut Loop factory on 6 Jan 2026 and found about 300 bed spaces
- From Jul 2025 to Jan 2026, it allegedly housed 173 workers from 4 companies without a licence
- The general manager has stepped down as chairman of a listed contractor and intends to contest the charge; the next hearing is on 17 Dec 2026
Work pass offences at Changi Airport (2 Nov 2026):
- MOM is investigating about 45 companies in airport operations
- Employment Pass holders were found doing baggage handling, with declared salaries and jobs that appear false
- About 270 workers may have been deployed against their work pass conditions
- MOM told an airport services company to tighten checks on its contractors
2. Penalties
- Unlicensed dormitory: up to S$500,000 fine, 2 years' jail, or both
- False declaration: up to S$20,000 fine, 2 years' jail, or both
- Illegal deployment: up to S$10,000 penalty, and a possible ban on hiring work pass holders
3. What Employers Should Check
- Workers live only in compliant housing, and the dorm operator holds a valid licence
- No factory or site space used as housing without approval
- Workers' addresses are up to date with MOM
- Declared job and salary match the real work and pay
- Workers are deployed only in their declared occupation
- Main contractors check subcontractors' workers too
- From 29 Nov 2026, no issued Work Permit or Temporary Permit (TP) means no work
4. How Build360 Helps
- Post jobs with clear roles and salaries, and hire directly
- Follow Build360 News for compliance updates in English and Chinese
Source: MOM · ST
