S'pore clamps down on foreign workers

S'pore clamps down on foreign workers

SINGAPORE (AFP): The government has asked courts to raise penalties on employers illegally recruiting foreign workers, many of whom are smuggled in from Malaysia and other neighboring countries, officials said yesterday.

"This is the first time the ministry of labor has urged the courts to impose deterrent sentences against such errant employers," a ministry spokeswoman said.

The ministry said in a statement that it wanted to curb the rising number of illegals being recruited by local employers. Under current laws, those convicted of illegally hiring workers from abroad are fined between S$7,200 and S$9,600 (US$4,800 to $6,400).