THERE have been reports on the increase in the number of foreign workers who were deceived by employers.

The Government is reputed for its efficiency, farsightedness and ingenuity.

Hence, it should be able to think of pragmatic ways to aid these workers.

The following suggestions might help reduce incidents of foreign workers being unfairly dismissed and treated:

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) should make it mandatory for employers who wish to apply for work permits on behalf of foreign workers to submit evidence of work contracts and transactions successfully secured, as well as evidence of contracts which are in the pipeline or being negotiated.

This will ensure that employers have the business capability, financial viability and sufficient vacancies to keep the workers gainfully employed.

While MOM is evaluating employers' work-permit applications, they should carry out thorough checks on employers.

This will ensure that fewer bad apples stay in the market.

In the event that an employer breaches labour laws, MOM should step in immediately to help foreign workers secure benefits owed to them.

Foreign workers should not hesitate to take action against offending bosses.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang