The number of companies that have been placed on the Manpower Ministry’s watchlist for not doing enough to hire and groom Singaporeans has grown to 250 as of the end of February 2017.
Those latest figures were just announced by Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say.
In August 2015, Mr Lim reported that the number of firms on the MOM’s watchlist was 38.
This indicates a sharp spike of some 600 percent in just 18 months.
What’s good about this data is – the MOM has shown that its on its toes in identifying unfair work practices and trying to remedy them.
What’s bad – it appears that there’s more companies that prefer foreigners over Singaporeans than what’s seen at face value.
Commenting on the latest data, Mr Lim said that the errant firms come from the information and communication technology, professional services, and financial and insurance activities industries, among others.
He said that 50 firms on the current watchlist have refused to be receptive or cooperative, and as such the MOM has rejected more than 500 of their applications for Employment Passes.
However, Mr Lim mentioned that most of the firms on the watchlist have “responded positively” to guidance on ways to improve their hiring practices, and have since hired 800 mor Singaporean PMEs since being placed on the watchlist.
