Nationality bias tops reasons for work pass privilege suspension

Other top reasons for discrimination are marital status, race, and family responsibilities.

Around 60% of employers penalised for discriminatory employment practices showed nationality bias.

Minister of Manpower Gan Siow Huang said the percentage is based on the average of 400 cases per year handled by the ministry, along with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TGFEP).

“In about 50 cases each year, the employers were found to be in breach of the TGFEP and had their work pass privileges suspended. About 60% of such cases involved nationality-based discrimination, and about one-third involved gender and age discrimination, split about equally between the two,” Gan said.

Other reasons for discrimination are marital status, race, and family responsibilities.

Companies with less severe breaches, such as HR lapses that result in miscommunication and potential discrimination, have been issued warnings. Gan said the Ministry issued an average of 40 warnings per year.