SRC Recruitment Faces License Suspension After Carousell Maid Ads
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has taken a hard stance against SRC Recruitment after the agency’s sharp‑edge ads for maids popped up on the popular e‑commerce platform Carousell.
What Went Down
- Officials confirmed that SRC Recruitment was the mastermind behind the suspicious maid listings.
- The agency was issued a licence suspension notice, meaning it can’t hire nor deploy new foreign domestic workers (FDWs) for any work.
- MOM is investigating and may prosecute the agency for breaching the Employment Agencies Act.
Minister’s Reaction
Manpower Minister Josephine Teo blasted the ads on social media. “I’m deeply disturbed that these services are being marketed like junk on a marketplace. It’s disrespectful,” she said. The post ended with a heartfelt reminder: our FDWs deserve respect, not a click‑bait slideshow.
Agency’s Denial and MOM’s Warning
Commissioner Kevin Teoh slammed the practice: “It’s an outright violation of the EAA to advertise FDWs the way you’d sell a used car on an online platform.” The ministry emphasised that they won’t shy away from prosecuting any agency that takes a shortcut to the dignity of a human being.
International Attention
Carousell’s user @maid.recruitment posted thumbnails of various maids—many believed to be Indonesian—some even titled themselves “sold.” The post triggered alarm at the Indonesian embassy, which requested a thorough investigation.
What This Means for the Agency
The licence suspension remains in force while MOM completes its probe. If SRC falls short on its legal obligations, they could face prosecution under the Employment Agencies Act, including potential fines and criminal charges.
Next Steps
- MOM has already asked Carousell to remove the offending posts.
- The ministry is coordinating with the Indonesian embassy to keep the investigation thorough.
- MOM will keep enforcement agencies on high alert so that no other recruitment firm can slip through the cracks.
In short, the takeaway is this: advertising a human being like a product is strictly illegal, and the penalties are serious. Authorities are on it.
