Singapore recommends new measures to stamp out illegal foreign gig workers

Key Concepts

• Illegal platform work by foreigners
• Identity verification checks
• Point-to-point transport services
• Enforcement and penalties
• Outsourced vs. platform workers
• Safety risks of unlicensed vehicles
• Transparency in payment incentive schemes
• Industry-wide principles for platform workers

Illegal Platform Work and Enforcement

Singapore is considering stricter penalties and enforcement against foreigners illegally performing platform work. This includes potential legislative changes and banning offenders from major platforms for up to two years. These measures stem from 10 recommendations by a work group that consulted platform workers over two months.

• Specific Issue: Foreigners using locals' accounts for unauthorized point-to-point transport.
• Response: Platform operators like Grab, Deliveroo, and Foodpanda are enhancing identity verification.
• Public Involvement: The public can report illegal platform work through dedicated online channels.
• Example: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) caught five drivers using Telegram to provide rides based on tip-offs.
• Impact: These drivers compete with foreign-registered cars for trips.
• Statistics: Since July, 73 foreign-registered vehicles were caught providing illegal point-to-point services.
• Legislation: Authorities may strengthen existing laws, including the Online Criminal Harms Act or the Point-to-Point Transport Industry Act.
• Penalties for Locals: Locals allowing foreigners to use their accounts could also face bans from platforms.

Outsourcing and Work Permits

Investigations reveal that most illegal platform workers are not working without valid work passes but are rather engaged through outsourcing.

• Outsourcing Model: Platform operators hire third-party logistics firms, which then employ foreigners with valid work permits.
• Manpower Ministry Investigation: Out of 644 delivery workers investigated, only a few foreigners were arrested without valid work passes.

Safety and Public Awareness

Authorities are emphasizing the safety risks associated with using unlicensed vehicles and are educating the public.

• Public Reporting: The public is encouraged to report illegal ride-hailing services.
• Safety Risks: Using services like Telegram for rides can be dangerous.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurance policies will not cover incidents in unlicensed vehicles.
• Awareness Campaign: Signs will be placed at bus stops and waiting areas to remind commuters.

Platform Operator Initiatives

Platform operators are taking steps to prevent account misuse and prioritize platform workers.

• Facial Recognition: Some platforms use facial recognition to verify drivers before they start working.
• Grab's Verification Process: Grab investigates about 10 cases of film verification each month out of nearly a million checks.
• Increased Detection Frequency: At least two platforms plan to increase the frequency of detection.
• Worker Concerns: Some riders are unhappy with the need to film themselves.
• Operator Justification: Operators argue that these measures are necessary to prevent and detect account misuse.
• Prioritization: Platforms are looking to prioritize platform workers over outsourced ones in high-demand areas.

Payment Incentive Schemes and Industry Principles

Efforts are being made to bring transparency to payment incentive schemes and establish industry-wide principles.

• Complexity of Schemes: Incentive schemes vary across operators and even for different types of work.
• Committee's Argument: A one-size-fits-all approach is difficult, so the focus is on transparency.
• Engagement with Associations: Associations representing platform workers will engage with operators to set out industry right principles.
• Focus on Transparency: The goal is to bring transparency and visibility to the intent of schemes rather than changing them.
• Operator Commitment: Operators are committed to communicating incentive schemes clearly on the app.
• Incentive Scheme Design: Incentive schemes should not encourage unsafe behavior.
• Productivity Features: Investment in productivity features will support workers in reaching their goals safely.

Timeline and Future Steps

There is no fixed timeline for implementing the recommendations, but the work group will continue to collaborate with associations and platforms to ensure a swift rollout.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The Singaporean government and platform operators are taking steps to address the issue of illegal platform work by foreigners, focusing on stricter enforcement, enhanced identity verification, public awareness, and transparency in incentive schemes. The goal is to protect local workers, ensure safety, and establish fair industry practices. While challenges remain in implementing a uniform approach, the ongoing collaboration between stakeholders aims to create a more regulated and equitable environment for platform workers.