Background Story

Failing to pay salaries on time: Fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months' jail or both.

Failing to maintain foreign workers and provide for their upkeep: Fine of up to $5,000 for each worker involved.

Deploying foreign workers to another occupation and employer not stated in their work passes, or employing foreign workers whose work passes are registered under another company: Fine of up to $15,000, jail for up to 12 months, or both.

The Manpower Ministry (MOM) reminded employers that it would not hesitate to take action against those who fail to pay their workers on time or fail to maintain and provide for the upkeep of their workers.

The ministry also advised workers to report instances of salary arrears early before the sum accumulates so that the problem can be quickly resolved before it escalates.

In such cases, MOM said it will first see if the parties can reach a settlement. But it said this process will take time, especially if the employer is facing a cash flow problem, which is heightened during an economic downturn.