SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — Singapore is investigating 45 companies involved in operations at Changi Airport for suspected offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), including false declarations and illegal deployment of foreign workers, said the Manpower Ministry (MOM).

In a statement, the ministry said a recent inspection at Changi Airport revealed that employment pass (EP) holders were deployed to perform baggage handling services.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false.

“Other work pass holders were also found performing baggage handling work, which was different from their declared occupations,” MOM said on Monday.

The ministry said investigations have identified around 270 workers employed by SATS contractors and sub-contractors whose deployment may not have been in compliance with work pass regulations. SATS is a Singapore-based air cargo handler and inflight caterer operating at Changi Airport.

“MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies that they have contracted, which includes verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes, and rectifying any compliance deficiencies.

“MOM has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in SATS’s operations, underscoring their obligation to comply with the EFMA and applicable work pass requirements,” it added. — Bernama