Trilateral Group Proposes Tougher Penalties to Protect Platform Workers in Singapore
A trilateral group examining the issue of foreigners performing platform work illegally has released 10 recommendations aimed at protecting local workers and tightening enforcement, authorities announced on Thursday, September 11.
The recommendations focus on stronger enforcement and tougher penalties for illegal point-to-point rides. These rides include cross-border trips in foreign-registered vehicles, trips within Singapore by foreign drivers, and instances where drivers—both local and foreign—connect with passengers through unlicensed channels such as Telegram chat groups.
Key Measures Proposed
Among the suggested measures, the group has recommended:
- Stricter fines and penalties for operators of illegal rides.
- Account bans for drivers caught performing unlicensed platform work.
- Enhanced monitoring and enforcement by relevant authorities.
The recommendations also urge major platform operators to take more responsibility in preventing unlicensed rides and ensuring compliance among their drivers. By combining regulatory enforcement with platform accountability, the authorities aim to create a safer, fairer environment for licensed platform workers.
Protecting Local Workers
The trilateral group emphasized that illegal platform work not only violates licensing regulations but also undermines the livelihoods of local drivers. Authorities hope that tougher enforcement and clear penalties will deter illegal operations and support sustainable work for Singapore-based platform workers.
Officials noted that illegal rides can also compromise passenger safety, as unlicensed operators are not subject to the same training, insurance, or regulatory requirements as licensed drivers. Strengthening rules and enforcement is seen as critical for both worker protection and public safety.
Next Steps
The authorities will review the recommendations and work on implementing measures to curb illegal platform work. Drivers and operators found violating rules could face fines, account suspensions, or other penalties depending on the severity of the offense.
The move reflects Singapore’s commitment to ensuring that platform-based work is fair, regulated, and safe, balancing innovation with compliance in the rapidly growing gig economy.
