Troubling Patterns of Misuse in Singapore's TEP

SINGAPORE – For years, unscrupulous employers and agents have been leveraging the Training Employment Pass (TEP) to exploit foreign workers by circumventing regulations meant for legitimate training. These sources inside the industry reveal a shocking trend: low-wage roles like dishwashers are being filled under a pass designed for short-term professional training.

Why Is the TEP So Attractive to Misuse?

The Training Employment Pass is notably attractive for misuse due to its lack of a levy or worker quota, distinguishing it from other passes like the work permit or S Pass, which aim to regulate lower-skilled jobs. This loophole has recently drawn scrutiny, particularly following a blog post from the advocacy group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) highlighting alarming cases of exploitation.

Dismaying Accounts from Workers on the Ground

Since December 2024, more low-wage workers holding TEPs have come forward with distressing stories. Many report being underpaid, forced to work prior to receiving their passes, or misclassified as ‘management executives’ while actually performing menial labor. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) acknowledged having received 120 complaints of TEP misuse as of June 19, 2025.

Enforcement Efforts Ramp Up Against Misuse

In light of these issues, MOM is intensifying enforcement actions against employers who exploit the TEP. Over the past decade, around 6,800 TEPs have been approved annually, primarily for the services sector, yet the misuse is raising questions about the effectiveness of current oversight.

A Dangerous Trend: Agents and Employers Colluding?

Experts like Dr. David Leong of PeopleWorldwide Consulting warn that some agents are misusing the TEP to flood industries with low-cost labor amidst acute manpower shortages. Some employers, oblivious to the agents' misconduct, may seek to fill genuine staffing needs, while others knowingly participate in this exploitation for cheap labor.

Misleading Practices and Fake Documents

Many victimized TEP holders report being coerced into signing incorrect pay slips that falsely reflect their earnings. Some even received no pay at all, with reports of digitally manipulated documents circulating among unsuspecting workers.

The TEP: A Niche Pass with a Troubling Purpose

The non-renewable and short-term nature of the TEP is meant for skilled roles, requiring holders to earn a minimum fixed salary of $3,000. However, troubling reports emerge that even private educational institutions might serve as fronts for funnelling workers into low-wage roles under the guise of training.

A TikTok Revelation: Exposing the Scheme's 'Advantages'

In a surprising twist, a TikTok video that was initially taken down has resurfaced, with an individual touting the 'benefits' of the TEP, such as avoiding levies and employing 'more compliant' workers. This video reveals a stark reality where the system's flaws are not only acknowledged but also exploited for profit.

The Call for Reform and Transparency

As the TEP continues to be manipulated by some employers and agents, pressure is mounting for reforms that ensure the program aligns with its intended purpose: to provide genuine training and development opportunities for foreign trainees. Transparency and accountability must be enforced to protect vulnerable workers from further exploitation.