SINGAPORE — The Singapore government, NTUC and Grab have formed a joint task force to address the issue of foreigners illegally taking delivery jobs, which has hurt the earnings of local platform workers.

The group, announced July 4, includes the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), Ministry of Transport (MoT), NTUC, Grab and their affiliated associations. It will be overseen by Senior Ministers of State Koh Poh Koon and Sun Xueling, NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng, and Grab’s operations head Yee Wee Tang.

NTUC said it had received complaints about foreigners misusing accounts or working without permits, creating unfair competition for Singaporean delivery riders. “It’s not right that our workers suffer reduced earnings due to illegal workers,” Ng said, adding that platform workers already face income instability and safety risks from long hours.

MoM and MoT said Grab’s participation shows platform operators’ commitment to solving the problem and ensuring workers’ well-being. Other platforms may join the discussions later.

Grab said it already has measures to prevent foreigners from registering and will work with the group on best practices.

The task force will also address broader challenges facing the platform economy and support regulatory actions if needed.

Ng noted that while the Platform Workers Act, effective 2025, helps protect rights, urgent action is needed as illegal foreign delivery riders continue to threaten incomes.