Foreign Worker Employment Disputes in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Singapore have the same employment rights as local workers under the Employment Act:
- Salary claims: You can file a claim with TADM/ECT for unpaid salary, overtime, or other contractual entitlements.
- Claim limit: Up to $20,000 (or $30,000 with union assistance) at the ECT.
- Special Protection Order (SPO): If you have filed a salary claim or are assisting in an investigation against your employer, MOM may issue an SPO allowing you to remain in Singapore while the claim is resolved.
- Temporary Job Scheme: Foreign workers with an SPO can work temporarily for another employer while their claim is being processed.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign worker (EP, S Pass, or Work Permit) and your employer has not paid your salary, overtime, or other contractual entitlements.
- Your employer has terminated your employment and you believe it was wrongful.
What to Do If Your Singapore Employer Has Not Paid You and Is Threatening to Repatriate You
- File a mediation request with TADM — you can do this even if your work pass has been cancelled.
- Contact the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 for assistance — they provide free advice and support.
- If your employer threatens to repatriate you to prevent you from filing a claim, inform MOM immediately — they can issue an SPO.
- Keep records of your employment: contract, payslips, work hours, and any correspondence with the employer.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't leave Singapore before filing your claim — it is much harder to pursue a claim from overseas.
- Don't accept a settlement that waives all your rights without understanding what you are giving up.
- Don't be intimidated by threats of repatriation — MOM has mechanisms to protect workers who file legitimate claims.
Common Questions
Can Singapore foreign workers file employment claims?
Yes — foreign workers have the same employment rights as local workers under the Employment Act. File a mediation request with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) — you can do this even if your work pass has been cancelled. The ECT claim limit is S$20,000 (or S$30,000 with union assistance).
What is a Singapore Special Protection Order (SPO)?
If you have filed a salary claim or are assisting in an investigation against your employer, MOM may issue an SPO allowing you to remain in Singapore while the claim is resolved. SPO holders can work temporarily for another employer under the Temporary Job Scheme — so threats of repatriation don't have to end your claim.
What should I do if my employer threatens to repatriate me?
Inform MOM immediately — they can issue an SPO. Contact the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 for free advice. Keep records of your employment: contract, payslips, work hours, correspondence. Do not leave Singapore before filing your claim — it is much harder to pursue it from overseas. Do not accept a settlement that waives all your rights without understanding it.
When does it apply — foreign worker employment disputes?
You are a foreign worker (EP, S Pass, or Work Permit) and your employer has not paid your salary, overtime, or other contractual entitlements.Your employer has terminated your employment and you believe it was wrongful.
What should I do if my employer in Singapore is withholding my wages and threatening to cancel my work pass before I can file a TADM claim?
File a mediation request with TADM — you can do this even if your work pass has been cancelled.Contact the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 for assistance — they provide free advice and support.If your employer threatens to repatriate you to prevent you from filing a claim, inform MOM immediately — they can issue an SPO.Keep records of your employment: contract, payslips, work hours, and any correspondence with the employer.
What should you NOT do — foreign worker employment disputes?
Don't leave Singapore before filing your claim — it is much harder to pursue a claim from overseas.Don't accept a settlement that waives all your rights without understanding what you are giving up.Don't be intimidated by threats of repatriation — MOM has mechanisms to protect workers who file legitimate claims.