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).