2 months ago (11 May), NCMP Gerald Giam from WP asked Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say in Parliament about the kind of checks conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on foreigners when processing their S-Pass and EP applications (‘Lim: FTs from degree mills can still get EP or S-Pass‘).
Mr Lim replied that EP and S-Pass applicants are required to declare their qualifications and working experience in their application.
“Even though academic qualifications are not the sole determining factor for the granting of an EP or S Pass, it is certainly an important part of the assessment,” he said.
To detect forged qualifications, MOM said it conducts internal database checks, as well as external checks through third-party screening agencies, direct verifications with the issuing institutions, and by requiring the employer to show proof that they have verified that the submitted qualifications are genuine.
Mr Lim said, “Those who are found to have submitted forged documents or false particulars in a deliberate attempt to mislead the Ministry are dealt with firmly. They may be fined up to $20,000, and/or imprisoned for up to two years. They will also be barred from working in Singapore.”
“As for qualifications obtained from an unaccredited institution (degree mill) that does not ensure that its students are properly qualified, MOM conducts 100% checks and disregards these qualifications completely,” Mr Lim reassured.
“They will have to meet more stringent criteria in terms of experience and salary in order to qualify for the EP or S Pass.”
In other words, foreign applicants with qualifications from degree mills can still qualify for a work pass based only on their experience and salary.
MOM changes its mind
Yesterday (8 Jul), MOM announced new measures to “further enhance employment and career opportunities for Singaporean PMEs”.
It will now “reject work pass applications which contain doubtful qualifications such as those from degree mills“.
“We will also pay more attention to the relevant experience of EP and S pass applicants, especially for those applying for professional occupations. MOM intends to progressively encourage and facilitate the transfer of expertise to Singaporean PMEs over time,” MOM said.
It will also...http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/07/09/mom-now-rejects-fts-with-qualifications-from-degree-mills/
Mr Lim replied that EP and S-Pass applicants are required to declare their qualifications and working experience in their application.
“Even though academic qualifications are not the sole determining factor for the granting of an EP or S Pass, it is certainly an important part of the assessment,” he said.
To detect forged qualifications, MOM said it conducts internal database checks, as well as external checks through third-party screening agencies, direct verifications with the issuing institutions, and by requiring the employer to show proof that they have verified that the submitted qualifications are genuine.
Mr Lim said, “Those who are found to have submitted forged documents or false particulars in a deliberate attempt to mislead the Ministry are dealt with firmly. They may be fined up to $20,000, and/or imprisoned for up to two years. They will also be barred from working in Singapore.”
“As for qualifications obtained from an unaccredited institution (degree mill) that does not ensure that its students are properly qualified, MOM conducts 100% checks and disregards these qualifications completely,” Mr Lim reassured.
“They will have to meet more stringent criteria in terms of experience and salary in order to qualify for the EP or S Pass.”
In other words, foreign applicants with qualifications from degree mills can still qualify for a work pass based only on their experience and salary.
MOM changes its mind
Yesterday (8 Jul), MOM announced new measures to “further enhance employment and career opportunities for Singaporean PMEs”.
It will now “reject work pass applications which contain doubtful qualifications such as those from degree mills“.
“We will also pay more attention to the relevant experience of EP and S pass applicants, especially for those applying for professional occupations. MOM intends to progressively encourage and facilitate the transfer of expertise to Singaporean PMEs over time,” MOM said.
It will also...http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/07/09/mom-now-rejects-fts-with-qualifications-from-degree-mills/
How to punch above our weight?
