Filipino Domestic Helper Jailed for Misusing Work Pass to Stay in Singapore
A 37-year-old Filipino woman has been sentenced to three weeks in jail after conspiring with her Singaporean boyfriend to secure a false work pass in order to remain in the country.
The woman, identified as Sotto Jennie Villaron, was working as a domestic helper when she discovered that her employer intended to terminate her employment. Fearing she would have to return to the Philippines, she turned to her boyfriend, Faizal bin Farid, for help. She asked him to employ her under his name as a domestic worker, even though she had no intention of serving in that role.
Court records revealed that she signed a declaration form in March 2024, claiming she would be employed by Faizal. This enabled her to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). However, instead of carrying out domestic helper duties, she lived with Faizal as his girlfriend for several nights a week while also working as a babysitter elsewhere, reported CNA.
Investigations and Charges
The arrangement continued for nearly four months before MOM uncovered the ruse in July 2024. Investigations revealed that Sotto had misled the authorities to secure a legal foothold in Singapore, while simultaneously engaging in unauthorised employment, reported 8World.
Prosecutors argued that Sotto had masterminded the deception by initiating the plan and persuading Faizal to apply for the work permit on her behalf. They emphasised that her actions undermined Singapore’s strict work pass system, which is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in foreign manpower management.
Sotto pleaded guilty to conspiring to make a false statement in the work permit application. A second charge, for working without a valid permit, was taken into consideration during sentencing.
Court Outcome and Broader Implications
During the hearing, Sotto, who did not have legal representation, begged for leniency and expressed her regret. She told the court she wished to continue working in Singapore and hoped for another chance.
The judge acknowledged her plea but made clear that he could not influence whether she would be allowed to remain in Singapore after serving her sentence, stating that such matters were under the jurisdiction of immigration and manpower authorities.
Sotto was ultimately handed a three-week jail term, with permission to defer her sentence briefly. Faizal, who faces similar charges, will appear in court at a later date.
This case highlights the seriousness with which Singapore treats immigration and employment offences. Authorities have consistently warned that misusing the work pass system not only attracts criminal penalties but also undermines trust in the framework that governs the employment of foreign workers.