A 52-year-old male Singaporean, Lee Eng Hock, has been charged in February 2015 for employing an immigration offender to work as a cleaner.

2.         Lee, who was a manager of a cleaning company, had employed the Bangladesh national between January and November 2014 without performing all the due diligence checks to ascertain the immigration status of the Bangladesh national, even though he was aware that the man was a foreigner. The Bangladeshi man had been convicted and served his sentence in November 2014. Lee was arrested and charged in February 2015. He was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in November 2016. He began serving his sentence on 22 November 2017 after he has decided to withdraw his appeal.

3.         Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), anyone found guilty of employing a person who has acted in contravention of Section 6(1), 15 or 36 or the regulations, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and not more than two years, and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding $6,000.

4.         The ICA takes a firm stance against employers and homeowners who employ or harbour immigration offenders. Employers and homeowners are reminded to exercise due diligence in checking the status of the foreigners before offering them employment or renting out their premises.

5.         Employers and homeowners have a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore. They should not offer employment or shelter to immigration offenders. Without the prospect of illegal employment or shelter, immigration offenders would not find Singapore attractive. Members of the public with information on immigration offenders may call ICA at 1800-391-6150. Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
23 NOVEMBER 2017