How to Know if You Are Blacklisted in Singapore
Since SG is regarded as a strict country, you might wonder how you can know if you’re blacklisted in Singapore.
As hard as it is living in Singapore without a job, getting blacklisted as an employee could be harder to cope with. It can jeopardise future employment opportunities for you in the country.
That’s why today’s post will look at how you can be informed if you’re indeed on Singapore’s blacklist.
How do I know if I’m on the blacklist in Singapore?
MOM has a list of banned foreigners who can’t be employed in Singapore
The Ministry of Manpower alone has full responsibility for deciding if someone is eligible to work in Singapore. This means MOM might also keep a list of foreigners who are banned from employment in the country.
Singaporean employers don’t have the final say when it comes to blacklisting foreigners who’ve worked for them in any capacity. What they can do instead is provide MOM with the ex-employee’s references and any reports on misconduct or breach of trust.
There’s a list on the MOM website of employers convicted under the Employment Act, as well. This can help job seekers steer clear of companies and employers who’ve committed different offences.
ICA sometimes publishes the names of blacklisted people
Aside from the Ministry of Manpower, the Immigrations and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) can maintain a list of people who’ve overstayed as visitors in Singapore. This is an entirely separate matter from being blacklisted from working, though.
So please note that this is different from the list that the MOM could have as far as employment is concerned. Under the Singapore legal system, being blacklisted as a visitor isn’t the same as being banned from certain employment.
If you’ve settled all your income tax deductibles, debts, loans, and other obligations, there’s no real reason to get blacklisted for employment in Singapore.
And Singaporean employers are extra careful about indiscriminate blacklisting, as they can potentially commit several offences in the process.
You’re outrightly refused entry in Singapore
While it’s largely an immigration law myth that immigrants are the number one source of rising crime rates, there could still be foreigners who con and scam their employers, colleagues, or strangers.
For these people (who’ve probably done a grave offence to warrant blacklisting), stepping foot at any airport in Singapore shouldn’t even happen.
There’s a possibility they could be questioned at borders if the MOM or ICA have indicated they aren’t welcome in the country.
However, any offence committed under Singaporean law by a foreigner should be assumed to have blacklisting consequences. Outright refusal of entry into Singapore should be a clear indication that this is the case.
Get a lawyer’s advice
If you believe that you were wrongfully blacklisted or are a victim of false information, it’s best to consult a good immigration lawyer in Singapore.
They can help you weigh your options while seeing the best way to move forward with your employment or visitor status.
Some ex-employees also report finding their names and employment experiences bandied about in nonofficial blogs, forums, and social media platforms.
A good lawyer can help handle this sort of situation especially if misleading information is being spread.