Singapore ex-manager jailed 49 days over S$18,000 worker kickbacks
Why it matters: The case highlights penalties under Singapore's foreign manpower law for extorting migrant workers to keep their jobs.
A former site manager at 800 Super Waste Management in Singapore was jailed for 49 days after taking S$18,000 from five migrant workers who paid to remain employed. Koh Kim Sia pleaded guilty to five charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with 19 other charges considered at sentencing, the Ministry of Manpower said on Wednesday. Koh recruited and managed conservancy workers and handled their work permit applications and renewals. Between June and July 2021, he collected sums ranging from S$2,000 to S$4,000 from each worker as a condition of continued employment. Under the law, each kickback charge can carry a fine of up to S$30,000, up to two years in jail, or both.