The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), together with support from the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), has intensified enforcement efforts against illegal platform delivery work in Singapore. The initiative aims to safeguard the interests of local delivery riders, ensuring that foreign workers do not exploit loopholes to compete unfairly.
In the past few months, MOM officers have carried out checks across more than 30 hotspots flagged by NDCA. These operations covered areas where illegal activity was suspected, ranging from food delivery to parcel drop-offs. A total of 644 delivery workers have been checked so far, resulting in the arrest of four foreigners working without valid permits.
The most recent operation saw 269 delivery riders screened, with one foreigner arrested. MOM highlighted that strong cooperation from local riders helped ensure checks were conducted smoothly and effectively, reinforcing the importance of community vigilance in protecting livelihoods.
Foreign Workers in Legitimate Delivery Roles
During these inspections, officers also encountered delivery personnel from traditional logistics firms and in-house delivery teams employed by F&B outlets and retail businesses. Some of these workers were foreigners holding valid work passes and were found delivering food, documents, laboratory materials, and eyewear.
MOM clarified that such arrangements are legal when the workers are directly employed by the companies and performing duties tied to their jobs. In some cases, these individuals used their own modes of transport, including foreign-registered motorcycles, which is permissible under current regulations. This distinction is crucial to ensure that only those misusing platform apps for unauthorised income are penalised.
Protecting Local Platform Workers
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon reiterated MOM’s commitment to deter illegal platform delivery work. He stressed that such practices undermine Singapore’s labour framework, put law-abiding workers at a disadvantage, and could compromise safety standards.
With enforcement efforts ongoing, the ministry is calling on the public to report suspicious cases of foreigners engaging in unauthorised delivery work. MOM emphasised that stamping out these illegal activities is key to maintaining fairness for local platform workers, who depend heavily on food delivery and courier services for their livelihoods.
Image Source: Koh Poh koon