Bangladeshi construction worker fined $40,000 for unlicensed employment activities

SINGAPORE - A 28-year-old construction worker from Bangladesh has been fined of $40,000 in default four months' imprisonment for conducting employment agency activities without a valid employment agency (EA) licence issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Ahmead Rubel, 28, helped to facilitate the employment of a fellow Bangladeshi, Jabed, to work as a construction worker in Nanjing Minglu Construction Engineering Co. Ltd from Dec 26, 2013 to June 9, 2014.

In the process, Rubel pocketed $3,000 as agency fees, MOM said in a statement today.

During the two-day trial from April 29 to 30, 2014, Rubel denied knowing Jabed, or any of the arrangements that led to Jabed's employment.

The State Courts later found Rubel guilty of conducting employment agency activities without a valid EA licence, on April 30, 2015.

"Foreigners holding valid work passes should not try to earn quick money by performing unlicensed EA activities," Divisional Director of MOM's Foreign Manpower Management Division Mr Kevin Teoh said.

"Foreigners who want to seek employment in Singapore, and companies which seek workers should approach licensed employment agencies for their employment and recruitment needs.

"The Ministry will clamp down on unlicensed EAs as they undermine the credibility of the industry."

The company that hired Jabed, Nanjing Minglu Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, was fined $4,000 on July 10, 2014 for using the services of Rubel .

Under the Employment Agencies Act, any person who operates or abets an unlicensed employment agency is punishable with a fine of up to $80,000 or up to 24 months' jail, or both. For subsequent convictions, a fine of up to $160,000 or up to 48 months' jail, or both, will be imposed.

Members of the public are advised to use only MOM-licensed employment agents for their employment needs. More information can be found on www.mom.gov.sg/eadirectory.

grongloh@sph.com.sg