DOLE warns Singapore-bound OFWs vs. faking credentials

Prospective overseas Filipino workers eyeing work in Singapore were cautioned Tuesday against faking their credentials and qualifications, lest they face intensified prosecution by labor authorities there.

In a statement, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is cracking down on foreigners with forged qualifications or fake credentials.

"The Philippine Embassy (in Singapore) is reminding Filipinos applying for employment in Singapore to ensure that they submit proper academic credentials prior to employment," Baldoz said, citing the advisory from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Singapore under Labor Attache Vic Cabe.

Under Singapore law, foreign workers found to have fake credentials may face a penalty of 20,000 Singapore dollars, or P690,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years.

Baldoz also warned applicants for jobs in Singapore to "be wary of employment agencies that ask them to agree to the use of fake credentials."

Under Singapore's enhanced Employment of Foreign Manpower Act of 1991 (EFMA), she said the burden of proof will shift to errant workers.

"It is presumed that a work pass applicant has knowledge of the information provided in his application, including the documents which have been submitted in support thereof," the DOLE quoted the Philippine Embassy advisory as saying.

Because of this, Baldoz urged Filipinos applying for work in Singapore to ensure that they submit their proper credentials.

She added they should not fall for unscrupulous individuals or agencies that "promise guaranteed employment by knowingly and willingly submitting forged or fake documents." — GMA News