Employer of hundreds of unpaid migrant workers back in Singapore: Manpower Ministry

The employer responsible for over 400 migrant workers who have not received wages for months has returned to Singapore and is now assisting authorities with their investigation. The Ministry of Manpower confirmed that the employer, identified as Singapore permanent resident Ramu Palani Velu, has had his passport impounded.

Mr. Velu is a director at KPA Engineering and SK Industries, and is linked to at least five other Singaporean companies, including VVR Plant Engineering, whose workers have also faced prolonged wage arrears. Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash stated that the ministry views breaches of the Employment Act and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act very seriously and will take appropriate action.

Hundreds of workers from KPA Engineering and SK Industries had previously sought assistance regarding their unpaid salaries, with many visiting the Ministry of Manpower's service center. In response to the crisis, the National Trades Union Congress and the Migrant Workers' Centre are providing S$200 in cash and vouchers to each affected worker. Labour chief Ng Chee Meng also announced that nearly 400 job vacancies have been offered by over 80 companies, with placements scheduled to begin soon. The workers will be relocated to a unified lodging facility to streamline support efforts.

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The Ministry of Manpower takes a serious view of breaches to the Employment Act and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and that action would be taken if necessary.