Unlicensed employment agent fined for helping Chinese nationals find jobs
POSTED: 23 Apr 2013 6:48 PM
A 33-year-old Singaporean was convicted on Tuesday of operating an employment agency without a valid licence.
SINGAPORE: A 33-year-old Singaporean was convicted on Tuesday of operating an employment agency (EA) without a valid licence from the Commissioner of Employment Agencies.
Lee Jen Hao was sentenced to a S$20,000 fine or in default six weeks' jail.
Between April and May 2012, Lee, using the pseudonym "Xiao Bai", approached three foreigners from China and offered to help them find jobs in entertainment outlets.
The foreigners agreed to pay agency fees of between S$1,500 and S$4,000 each.
Lee then approached Teo Chin Chai, a director of an entertainment outlet, Pub KG, and asked if he would like to hire performing artistes.
Lee also offered to facilitate the employment process by fetching the foreigners from the airport, and bringing them for their medical check-ups, photo-taking and collection of work passes.
After Teo agreed, Lee provided the bio-data of the foreigners for Teo to proceed with the work pass applications.
Lee had also similarly transacted with Phang Ti Hui, manager of Golden Crystal Nightclub Entertainment Pte Ltd, who made use of the illegal services of the accused.
For engaging Lee as an EA, Teo and Phang were warned and given composition by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The amount of composition can go as high as up to S$5,000.
Under the Employment Agencies Act (EAA), any person who operates an unlicensed EA is guilty of an offence punishable with a fine of up to S$80,000 and up to 24 months' jail, or both.
Any person who engages the services of an unlicensed EA is also liable to a fine of up to S$5,000 under the EAA.
MOM said under the amended EAA that has been in force since April 2011, seven unlicensed EAs were convicted in 2012.
This year, three unlicensed EAs (including Lee) were convicted. They were fined between S$20,000 and S$50,000 per charge, or in default between two and 10 weeks' imprisonment.
- CNA/ck
