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Oral Answer by Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower and Education, to Parliamentary Question on Foreign Despatch Riders

Notice Paper No. 256 Of 2012 for the Sitting on 16 November 2012
Question No. 555 For Oral Answer

MP: Mr Alex Yam

Question: 

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether foreign despatch riders using foreign-registered vehicles to make deliveries require work permits under the Employment Act; and (b) whether the Ministry plans to put in place greater regulatory measures for such despatch riders.

Answer:

  1. Foreign despatch riders making commercial deliveries in Singapore must hold valid work passes. This is a requirement under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) and also applies to any other foreigner working in Singapore. Should they wish to use foreign-registered vehicles to make deliveries, they will need to comply with the Land Transport Authority’s rules and regulations which include purchasing the necessary compulsory insurance.
  2. Foreign despatch riders without valid work passes can be prosecuted under the EFMA, fined up to $20,000 and imprisoned up to 2 years. MOM may also take action against their employers.