PUBLISHED ONNovember 02, 2026 9:32 AMBYKoh Xing YingAround 45 companies involved in operations at Changi Airport are being investigated for suspected work pass offences, including false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
In a statement on Monday (Nov 2), MOM said its investigations had identified around 270 workers whose deployment may have breached work pass regulations.
They were employed by contractors and sub-contractors of ground handler Sats.
During a recent inspection at Changi Airport, the ministry found Employment Pass (EP) holders deployed to perform baggage handling services.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false.
Other work pass holders were also found performing baggage handling duties that differed from their declared occupations.
MOM said it has directed Sats to strengthen its oversight of the companies it engages, including verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes and rectifying any compliance deficiencies.
The ministry has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in Sats' operations, reminding them of their obligations under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA) and applicable work pass requirements.
"MOM takes a serious view of work pass offences and will take enforcement action if breaches of the EFMA are established," its statement said.
"MOM will continue to conduct checks to ensure compliance with work pass requirements."
Under the EFMA, employers who make false declarations in work pass applications face a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
AsiaOne has reached out to Sats for comment.
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