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Two foreign domestic workers fined for working illegally

Duo assisted others with loan applications

Foreign manpower Employment practices
  1. On 26 September 2019, two Filipino foreign domestic workers (FDWs), 39-year-old Jenalyn Masirag Gannaban and 50-year-old Obillo Arlene Manale, were sentenced in the State Courts for working without a valid work pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). The duo had assisted other FDWs to secure loans from licensed moneylenders (LMLs), and earning a profit from it. Jenalyn and Obillo were fined $8,000 and $5,000 respectively. Their work permits will be revoked, and they will be barred from entering and working in Singapore.

    About the case
  2. Investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that between June 2017 and November 2018, both Jenalyn and Obillo assisted fellow FDWs to obtain loans by scheduling appointments with VM Credit Pte Ltd located at Waterloo Street, on their behalf. In return, both of them received between $10 and $30 from fellow FDWs for the assistance they rendered for each approved loan. Jenalyn earned about $100 to $150 per month while Obillo earned about $300 to $400 per month for engaging in such activities.  

    Advisory to Foreign Domestic Workers
  3. A FDW is deemed to be working without a valid work pass if she holds a second job.  This includes engaging in any other work or activity for the purposes of gain or otherwise. If convicted, FDWs can be fined up to $20,000 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both. They will also have their work permits revoked, sent home and barred from working in Singapore.
  4. Members of the public who know of persons or employers who contravene the EFMA should report the matter to MOM via the MOM website (www.mom.gov.sg) under “Contact us”, or call 6438 5122. All information will be kept strictly confidential.