The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore suspended the licences of employment agencies Global Recruiters and SDI Global. Both agencies were involved in overseas job placements for job seekers.

The Ministry launched investigations against Global Recruiters following two fee-related complaints against the company for charging and collecting agency fees upfront from individuals seeking employment in Europe. MOM also investigated SDI Global following complaints made against the company that it had collected agency fees before placing job seekers.

The suspension aims to protect jobseekers from engaging these employment agencies for employment opportunities.

Under the Employment Agencies Act 1958 (EAA), collecting agency fees before placing a jobseeker is prohibited and constitutes a violation of the act. This requirement is applicable even if employment agencies are facilitating overseas placements for job seekers.

The Ministry warned that enforcement actions will be taken against such contraventions.