A local hair salon at Bukit Batok doesn’t intend to employ Singaporeans to be workers in their salon but only Malaysian workers.
Miko Lee, replied to our reader’s message on Facebook that their salon is in Singapore but they are only looking for Malaysian workers.
How come this hair salon can decide that it just wants to employ Malaysians? Is it legal? Or is this discrimination?
Most companies in Singapore hire foreign talent to supplement their local workforce. The reasons behind this trend are several: an ageing population, declining birth rate, unprecedented economic growth and mostly non-availability of adequate local talent for certain job sectors. IT, business and finance and R&D companies find a shortage of highly skilled local talent and therefore resort to hiring foreign manpower. Likewise, certain job profiles, such as construction work and domestic help are not preferred by locals, leaving no option other than hiring foreign workers. Given the country’s history in attracting and hiring foreign professionals, the Singapore government has liberalised the immigration policy and put in place adequate provisions.
Under the Employment Act, a foreigner must have a valid work visa to be able to work in Singapore. If you wish to hire a foreigner, you will have to apply for a valid work pass or work permit on his/her behalf before he/she can commence employment with you. Please note that certain work passes place a restriction or ceiling on the number of foreign employees you can hire.
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