http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/224287,...
Singapore – More than 400 foreigners were caught last year for
lying to Singapore’s Manpower Ministry in their work pass
applications, a fourfold increase from 97 cases in 2005, a media
report said on Friday. The majority were said to have used fake or
forged qualifications in applying for employment passes, necessary
for highly qualified people, or S-Passes, for semi-skilled workers,
The Straits Times said.
A rising trend of workers using qualifications from bogus
universities that sell degrees for little or no studies was also
detected.
Making false statements in the applications for work or
immigration passes carries stiff penalties, including fines and
jail. Foreigners caught are also likely to be repatriated.
IntegraScreen, which does screening work for immigration
authorities in several countries in Asia and the Middle East, said
about 5 per cent of the resumes are found to be faked.
“The use of diploma mills is exploding as the internet makes
buying bogus degrees easier than ever before,” managing director
John Baxter was quoted as saying.
“More workers are buying these degrees because they are looking
for an edge in the competitive job market,” he noted.
Most degree mills charge between 50 US dollars and 5,000 US
dollars for degrees at all levels. Some provide an after-sale
service, with phone operators verifying graduations and sending
transcripts to prospective employers.
David Leong, head of PeopleWorldwide Consulting, told the
newspaper that those who purchase their degrees are not victims,
but intend to hoodwink employers or business clients.
For every one that got caught, there would be more that got away
scot-free. Viva LKY .
