A 51-year-old Filipina national, Maya Clarina Santos Tagapan, was sentenced to 16 weeks’ jail and a S$25,000 fine on Tuesday (Feb 3) for working illegally in Singapore for over 12 years. She faces an additional five weeks in jail if the fine is not paid.
The Case
Tagapan pleaded guilty to one count each of working as a self-employed foreigner without a valid work pass and contravening her work pass conditions. A third charge was considered during sentencing.
The court heard that Tagapan began working with Judy Gan in 2007. In 2010, she requested Gan “sponsor” her employment as her previous employer was departing Singapore. Gan agreed to employ Tagapan, with an arrangement for Tagapan to secure her own accommodation and work at Gan’s home on Sundays.
Gan agreed to pay Tagapan’s levy, though Tagapan would reimburse S$200 of the S$300 monthly amount. Gan also paid Tagapan S$90 for each Sunday she cleaned. A work permit application was submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for Tagapan to be employed as Gan’s maid.
From November 2012 to March 2023, Tagapan worked as a part-time cleaner for at least five other employers, including residences at Faber Condominium, Waterfront Isle Condominium, and River Place Condominium. She earned approximately S$2,000 per month performing cleaning duties.
Tagapan did not reside at the address registered on her work permit, instead renting a bed space at Commonwealth Drive from 2021 to 2023 for S$400 per month.
Investigations began in March 2023 after MOM employment inspectors received information regarding potential violations.
MOM prosecutor Nee Yingxin noted the offense persisted for “an exceedingly long period of about 12 years and four months” and that Tagapan’s actions were a deliberate attempt to deceive authorities. Ms. Nee also stated that Tagapan’s case involved a longer period and greater profit than a previous case, Ravichandran Amar Sarathas Kumari.
Judy Gan has been charged in connection with the case, and her legal proceedings are ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges did Maya Clarina Santos Tagapan face?
Maya Clarina Santos Tagapan pleaded guilty to one count each of working as a self-employed foreigner without a valid work pass and contravening her work pass by failing to stay at her registered location. A third charge was considered in sentencing.
How long did Tagapan work illegally in Singapore?
Tagapan worked illegally as a part-time cleaner for more than 12 years, from October 2010 to March 2023.
What is the potential penalty for these offenses?
For working as a self-employed foreigner without a valid work pass, Tagapan could have been jailed for up to two years, fined up to S$20,000, or both. For contravening her work pass condition, she could have been jailed for up to a year, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
Given the complexities of foreign worker regulations, what further steps might MOM take to prevent similar cases in the future?
