Hafizuddin Jaafar, 34-years-old, was sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment for making a false declaration when applying for a work permit for a Filipino maid, according to MOM on 11 February.
He was also fined $50,750 for collecting money from the maid to apply for the work permit and keeping it valid.
Jaafar had stated in his application that he was going to be employing the 36-year-old maid to work at his home, but neither party had the intention for her to actually work in his home.
Their intention was for her to remain in Singapore and find other work.
The application was made in January 2019, and Jaafar later applied to render the permit in January 2019.
Jaafar had received “kickbacks” from the maid which amounted to about $9,380 between January 2018 and February 2020 and in the same period, she didn’t do any work for Jaafar or lived at his home.
She was issued a stern warning and sent repatriated, as well as being permanently banned from working in Singapore.
What happened?
Investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”) revealed that on 8 January 2018, Hafizuddin made a false declaration in a MDW (migrant domestic worker) work permit application that he would employ a 36-year-old Filipino as an MDW at his residence. However, neither of them had the intention that the MDW would work for Hafizuddin. Instead, their intention was that the MDW be allowed to remain in Singapore and find other work. He subsequently applied to renew her work permit on 23 January 2019. Both applications were granted on the basis that she would be employed by Hafizuddin as an MDW.
3 In exchange for the successful application and renewal of the work pass, Hafizuddin received kickbacks from the MDW totalling $9,380 between January 2018 and February 2020. During the same period, the MDW did not perform any work for Hafizuddin or live at his residence.
4 After MOM investigations were completed, the MDW was issued a stern warning for making a false declaration in her work permit application and was subsequently repatriated. She has also been permanently barred from working in Singapore.
Advisory to Employers and Work Pass Applicants
5 All employers and work pass applicants must make accurate, complete and truthful declarations to the Controller of Work Passes in work pass applications under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (“EFMA”). Making false declarations is a serious offence. If convicted, an offender can be fined up to $20,000, or jailed for up to 2 years, or both. Errant employers will have their work pass privileges suspended, and the work pass applicant will also be permanently barred from working in Singapore. Individuals who collect kickbacks can also be fined up to $30,000, or jailed for up to 2 years, or both.
6 Under the EFMA, MDWs are only allowed to perform household and domestic duties for the official employer at the residential address that is stated on the work permit card.
7 Members of the public who are aware of suspicious employment activities such as illegal deployment of MDWs, or who know of persons or employers who have contravened the EFMA, should report the matter to MOM at [email protected]. All information will be kept strictly confidential.