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The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) noted that the Ministry of Manpower has charged the Managing Director of Lian Lee Wooden Case Maker Co Pte Ltd for the collection of kickbacks. Below is the response from Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of MWC.
“We note that the Ministry of Manpower has charged the Managing Director of Lian Lee Wooden Case Maker Co Pte Ltd in the State Courts today, for the collection of kickbacks amounting to more than $105,000 from 20 of his workers.
Collection of kickbacks from workers who do not earn much and work very hard in order to support their families back home is exploitative and must not be condoned. MWC has come across a number of such cases and reported them to the authorities for investigation.
We wish to remind all employers that it is illegal to require the payment of money (whether up front in cash, or through subsequent deductions to salary) from migrant workers in return for application or renewal of work permits or any other employment benefit or opportunity.
We urge our authorities to impose a strong deterrent sentence upon any conviction for collection of kickbacks. This will send a clear signal of our society's abhorrence of such malpractices.
Workers who are pressured to pay monies to keep their jobs, or face other employment issues which they cannot resolve with their employers, should seek immediate help by calling MWC’s 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.”
