A former domestic worker from India, Ms. Alka, who was acquitted of a false declaration charge in July, has been permanently barred from employment in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued her a stern warning in August for breaching her work pass conditions, specifically for failing to reside at her employer's registered address as [...]
Approximately 60,000 unemployed Singapore residents are expected to benefit annually from a new job seeker support scheme, set to launch in April next year. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support initiative is designed to assist those who earned an average of $5,000 or less per month over the past 12 months of employment. Additionally, applicants must not [...]
In an upcoming scheme, workers who lose their jobs will receive up to $6,000 in temporary financial support to help them through the transition. This new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will be available for up to six months. However, beneficiaries are expected to engage in training, career coaching, and job matching services, as emphasized by [...]
Introduction of Passport-less Immigration Clearance Travellers will soon experience a more streamlined and hassle-free immigration process at Changi Airport starting August 2024. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on July 31 that passport-free clearance trials for arriving Singapore residents will begin at selected automated lanes at Changi Airport Terminal 3 from August 5. The [...]
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Thursday (July 25) that the ICA Services Centre will only be open on weekdays starting September 2. Currently, the centre, located at the ICA Building near Lavender MRT station, operates on Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm and on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm. [...]
Migrant workers from countries like Myanmar often pay significant sums to secure employment in Singapore, hoping for better opportunities. Unfortunately, many face unexpected challenges upon arrival. The Case of Pyae Sone Pyae Sone, a 21-year-old from Myanmar, left his botany studies to support his family. He paid a Yangon-based agency S$5,800 for a kitchen assistant [...]
He Quan, a 35-year-old private driver based in Lijiang, Yunnan, spends eight hours daily transporting passengers to the province’s renowned attractions, such as snow-capped mountains, scenic lakes, and deep gorges. Although He did not disclose his earnings, it is understood that each trip ranges from 150 to 1,000 yuan (US$21 to US$140). Known as “Ah [...]
A domestic helper in Singapore has been sentenced to seven months and one week in jail after moonlighting illegally and stealing over S$23,000 (US$17,000) from a customer. Elvira Cadila Orlanes Ordonez, a 46-year-old Filipina, was convicted on June 18 for one count of theft and two counts under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with [...]
Two retail employers in Singapore, who persistently underpaid their employees despite multiple warnings from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), are now barred from applying for or renewing work passes for foreign workers until they correct the underpayments. According to a statement by MOM on June 6, these employers have been underpaying a total of 12 [...]
Welcoming Global Talent: Hong Kong's Approach and Challenges Like many Asian cities, Hong Kong is actively courting global talent. To counteract the outflow caused by the pandemic and political factors, the city launched its Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) in late 2022. Official data indicates tens of thousands have applied under this scheme, surpassing applications [...]