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3 Foreigners Arrested in Singapore for Illegal Delivery Work

 




On 18 August 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that three foreigners were arrested in Singapore for working illegally as delivery riders. The arrests came after islandwide enforcement operations were conducted in recent weeks, targeting delivery hotspots.

According to Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower, Koh Poh Koon, the checks were carried out following feedback and complaints from delivery workers through the National Delivery Champions Association. In total, MOM officers checked 375 delivery riders. Of them, three were found to be foreigners working illegally and are now under investigation. MOM is also investigating the locals who abetted these offences by allowing foreigners to use their delivery accounts.

Authorities reminded the public that foreigners found working in Singapore without a valid work pass face severe penalties, including a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Locals who enable such illegal work arrangements by sharing or renting their accounts face the same punishments.

Dr Koh stressed that these operations are essential in protecting the integrity of the delivery sector and ensuring that local workers are not unfairly disadvantaged. He noted that enforcement is being stepped up even as the newly formed Platform Workers Trilateral Group continues its work. Formed in July 2025, the group consists of MOM, the Ministry of Transport, Grab Singapore, and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) with its affiliated associations. The group was established in response to growing concerns from the labour movement about illegal foreign riders affecting the livelihoods of locals.

Delivery platforms also responded. A spokesperson from Deliveroo emphasised that the company takes a zero-tolerance approach to account sharing. New riders must provide valid documents proving their eligibility to work in Singapore and undergo facial verification checks. Riders are also subjected to randomised supplementary verification to prevent unauthorised use.

Despite these safeguards, a check on online marketplace Carousell on 18 August found a Deliveroo account listed for rental at $150. Deliveroo has been contacted for further comment on this discovery.

Foodpanda also stated that it swiftly takes action against attempts to bypass security systems, which include account suspension, blacklisting, and reporting offenders to regulators. The company expressed support for the government and unions in combating illegal delivery work.

Grab added that it uses selfie verification to ensure only legitimate riders operate on its platform. Offenders who fail these authentication checks will be prevented from receiving new jobs. Grab also outlined a strict penalty system: a formal warning for the first offence, a two-week suspension for the second, and account termination for the third. The company made it clear that foreigners working illegally on its platform are not recognised participants in the platform economy and therefore receive no insurance coverage or protection.

MOM figures showed that from January to December 2024, about 90 complaints were lodged against suspected illegal foreign delivery riders. Following investigations, 30 foreigners were penalised, while the rest of the cases were found to be unsubstantiated.

The crackdown highlights growing concern over illegal delivery work in Singapore. The government, industry players, and unions are all working together to deter such practices, protect local jobs, and maintain trust in the platform economy.

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