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Improper deployment of imported workers to jobs not stipulated in their employment contract
From February this year, the landing conditions on the employment visa have been changed by specifying that workers are not allowed to change employer, post, and place of work. The employment contracts that clearly identify the post and place of work of the worker will bear a unique employment contract number. Entry visas and landing conditions will also contain the employment contract number, thus effectively forbidding any unauthorised change of employer, post and place of work. These new requirements enable the government to prosecute those employers and workers who have breached any of the landing conditions.
With effect from March this year, employers at the time of visa application, are also required to give an undertaking to the effect that they will abide by the rules and conditions of the ACP Scheme.
Employers when applying for workers' visa extension are required to lodge a certification declaring that the workers are working in the approved posts and are paid the stipulated wages. Workers are also required to acknowledge by signing on the certification form.
Food and accommodation provisions
Since last November, LD inspects the accommodation of imported workers prior to their arrival. ID will not issue employment visas unless LD is satisfied that the employers have met the accommodation requirements as stipulated in the employment contract.
Since January, the clause on the employment contract regarding wage deduction for food provision has been deleted. With this change, meals have been made the responsibility of the employee. If meals are provided by the employer, they shall be provided free of charge.
Underpayment of wages
With effect from November last year, ACP contractors are required to provide the workers with details of their earnings including overtime wages and allowances and ask each imported worker to acknowledge the receipt of the wage information if he agrees to the amount of payment.