In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon addressed concerns regarding excessive enforcement actions against foreigners working illegally on delivery platforms. He emphasized that while protecting local workers is paramount, a more sustainable solution involves harnessing technology rather than applying stringent checks that may disrupt services.
Current Enforcement Measures
Koh pointed out that enforcement operations at hot spots have increased in recent months, with 644 delivery workers checked and only four found to be working without valid passes. He noted that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been receiving an average of 50 complaints each year about illegal platform work since 2023.
Facial Recognition Checks Proposed
- The minister proposed that delivery platforms conduct frequent random facial recognition checks on their workers throughout the day.
- This would supplement the initial verification done during onboarding and help identify any anomalies in account usage.
Koh’s recommendation aims to strike a balance, allowing the authorities to take targeted actions based on data collected through these checks.
Impact of Excessive Enforcement
While addressing queries from Opposition Leader Pritam Singh, Koh highlighted the downsides of excessive checks. For instance, each identification check could hold up a worker for up to ten minutes, creating delays for both workers and customers waiting for deliveries.
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Excessive enforcement not only inconveniences riders but also frustrates customers who rely on prompt deliveries,” he stated, emphasising the need for a balanced approach.
Future Recommendations and Group Efforts
A trilateral workgroup was established to look into the implications of illegal foreign work in the delivery sector. This group, consisting of members from MOM, the Ministry of Transport, Grab Singapore, and the National Trades Union Congress, aims to submit recommendations by the end of 2024.
By implementing enhanced verification measures for new users on platforms like Grab and allowing for ongoing audits, the collaboration seeks to deter illegal employment effectively.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Koh’s feedback showcases a forward-looking approach by the government, as they work to ensure fair employment practices while maintaining operational efficiency in the food delivery sector.