In Singapore’s tightly regulated employment landscape, compliance is critical. One common question we hear from employers is:
“Can I engage a recruitment agency to provide Work Permit or S Pass holders and deploy them to my client’s site under their quota?”
The short answer? NO
This practice, often called “quota outsourcing” is prohibited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
đź“Ś What is Quota Outsourcing?
Quota outsourcing typically involves an agency using their own company’s foreign worker quota to employ Work Permit or S Pass holders, then deploying them to client companies that do not have quota or valid justification to hire foreigners.
This is illegal under Singapore’s Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
👉 MOM’s official statement confirms:
“You must not supply foreign workers to another company. All foreign workers must only work for the employer and in the occupation stated in the Work Permit or S Pass.”
Read the full MOM FAQ here.
đź“© MOM Reminder: Email Alert Sent on 1 August 2024
In a recent email dated 1 August 2024, MOM reiterated that recruitment agencies and employers are not allowed to provide foreign manpower through “quota outsourcing” or other unauthorised deployment arrangements.
Violating this rule can result in:
- Suspension or revocation of work passes
- Heavy financial penalties
- Blacklisting of employers and agencies
- Legal consequences under MOM enforcement
âś… What Should Employers Do Instead?
If you’re facing manpower shortages, especially in industries with tight quotas, there are compliant and effective ways to solve your challenges.
Here’s how Kanry can help:
🔹 Local Manpower Stabilisation
As a trusted Singapore recruitment firm, we help you build a stable base of local employees to increase your quota eligibility for foreign hiring.
🔹 Quota Planning & Headcount Strategy
We assess your current manpower mix and propose strategies to optimise your foreign worker quota through proper local headcount development.
🔹 Recruitment of Compliant Foreign Workers
We only place Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass holders via MOM-approved, direct-hire methods, fully aligned with regulations.
🔹 Payroll Outsourcing & Workforce Management
Need to manage your local or foreign hires more efficiently? Our payroll outsourcing and workforce planning services are fully compliant and cost-effective.
❌ Avoid Illegal Practices, Protect Your Business
Engaging with agencies offering prohibited quota outsourcing services puts your business at risk. MOM is actively monitoring and taking enforcement actions against non-compliant entities.
🤝 Work with a Licensed & Compliant Manpower Company
At Kanry, we take compliance seriously. With our proven recruitment workflow, ISO and Bizsafe certifications, and over 150 Google reviews, we’re trusted by companies across Singapore to handle their manpower needs responsibly.
đź“ž Facing manpower issues? Need help with foreign hiring or quota planning?
Contact Kanry today to discuss how we can support your operations legally and sustainably.
