Public Consultation on New Employment Agency Regulatory Framework (Closed)

Between 21 July and 10 August 2010, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) invited members of the public via REACH’s website to give feedback on proposed enhancements to the employment agency regulatory framework. We would like to thank all members of public who participated in the public consultation exercise. The feedback received has helped to refine the proposed enhancements to the employment agency regulatory framework that will go towards improving the standard of recruitment practices in Singapore. Click here to read the Ministry's response to key suggestions received through the public consultation exercise.

Background

Employment Agencies (EAs) have a crucial role to play in ensuring the smooth functioning of the labour market, linking up job seekers with employers. Recognising the changes to the employment agency industry and the labour market since the EA Act was last amended in 1984, MOM is reviewing the employment agency regulatory framework to ensure it serves job seekers and employers while meeting the needs of the EA industry. By raising the standards of the industry, we hope Singapore will be known for its fair and effective recruitment practices.

Proposed enhancements to regulatory framework

MOM has reviewed the employment agency regulatory framework and are proposing a series of changes to ensure better compliance and a higher standard of recruitment practices. The key principles underpinning the proposed changes are as follows:

1. The regulatory framework should increase accountability of all relevant stakeholders.
2. The regulatory framework should recognise the diversity in operating models within the industry, and tailor requirements and sanctions accordingly.
3. The regulatory framework should impose sufficiently stringent penalties to deter violators from profiting from malpractices.
4. While allowing for industry self-regulation, critical standards and norms should be part of the EA regulations, and enforced by the Government.
5. The provisions and processes under the regulatory framework should be kept up-to-date and relevant to today’s context.

More details of the proposed new regulatory regime of the EA sector can be found in the Consultation Paper for the New Employment Agency Regulatory Framework.

Related consultation documents

For your convenience, the relevant documents relating to this public consultation exercise can be downloaded below:

Consultation Paper for the New Regulatory Regime for the Employment Agency (EA) Sector	Download
Employment Agencies Act	Check Online
Employment Agencies Rules	More Details
Employment Agencies (Exemption) Order 2011	More Details
Employment Agencies Licensing Conditions	More Details
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act	Check Online
Committee of Supply: Responses by Minister of State for Manpower and Trade & Industry, Lee Yi Shyan, to Members of Parliament on encouraging good recruitment practices	More Details