Oral Answer to PQ on Protection for National Servicemen Against Workplace Discrimination
NOTICE PAPER NO. 1231 OF 2026 FOR THE SECOND AVAILABLE SITTING SEP 2026
QUESTION NO.2794 FOR ORAL ANSWER
MP: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how many discrimination complaints have cited National Service obligation as the reason; (b) why National Service liability is not protected under the Workplace Fairness Act and what would prompt inclusion; (c) whether the Ministry knows of any enforcement action under Part 6 of the Enlistment Act; and (d) what protection a serviceman has against being passed over for promotion because of in-camp training.
1. Between 2024 to 2025, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP), MOM and MINDEF have received three discrimination complaints related to National Service (NS) obligations.
2. The Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) takes a calibrated approach by covering the protected characteristics that account for approximately 95% of discrimination complaints received by TAFEP and MOM. MOM will consider expanding the WFA's scope if evidence emerges of a sustained or significant increase in other forms of discrimination complaints.
3. NSmen are protected under the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP), which prohibit all forms of workplace discrimination, including discrimination based on NS obligations. Where employers breach the TGFEP, TAFEP will require them to address complaints and correct their practices. In egregious cases, MOM may suspend the employer's work pass privileges.
4. Part 6 of the Enlistment Act separately sets out specific statutory duties for employers in relation to their employees’ NS obligations, including reinstating employees after NS, granting leave of absence for NS obligations, and not dismissing employees on account of their NS obligations. To date, MINDEF has not had to pursue formal enforcement action under these provisions. When concerns are raised, MINDEF engages employers directly to clarify their obligations, and this approach has been effective in resolving issues.
5. NSmen who believe that they have been unfairly treated because of their NS obligations may approach MINDEF, MOM or TAFEP for assistance.