Three Foreigners Arrested for Working Illegally as Delivery Riders in Singapore

Three foreigners have been arrested for working illegally in Singapore after enforcement operations conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) checked more than 370 delivery workers.

- BNB Diviyadhaarshini

In a Facebook post on Aug 18, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Koh Poh Koon said MOM conducted islandwide enforcement operations over the past few weeks.

The operations were conducted based on complaints and feedback on hot spots from the National Delivery Champions Association's regular engagement with delivery workers, the post said.

"Of the 375 delivery workers checked during our operations, three foreigners were arrested and under investigation for working illegally," said Dr Koh.

He added that MOM is also investigating the locals who abetted these foreigners to undertake illegal delivery work.

Foreigners who work in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Local abettors who allow foreigners to use their accounts may face the same penalties, added Dr Koh.

"These operations are essential to deter illegal platform work, even as the Platform Workers Trilateral Group develops its recommendations," he said.