The public is also urged to verify the licenses of employment agencies
The State Courts of Singapore has ordered a fine of $80,000 against a man for operating an employment agency without a license between March 2016 and June 2017. The man is also sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment for an offence under section 6(4)(a) of the Employment Agencies Act. According to MOM, the man posted advertisements that purported to offer employment opportunities to jobseekers. He would collect their physical resumes and would charge applicants $450 each.
However, after collecting the money, the man would tell the applicants that his services would "only entail the distribution of their resume."
The man attempted to appeal his conviction and sentence, but the High Court dismissed it.
"Operating an unlicensed employment agency is a serious offence. The offender can be fined up to $80,000 or jailed for up to two years or to both," said MOM in a statement.
The ministry said that companies or people who would also engage with unlicensed employment agencies could also get fined by up to $5,000 per charge.
MOM urged the public to report to them if they are aware of activities of unlicensed employment agencies. They could verify the company's license in the government's official directory.
