Claims of discrimination spark debate on workplace practices and probationary terminations.
SINGAPORE: A foreign professional took to social media to share his experience of being terminated from a Singaporean company after just 11 business days. While the service agreement permitted such termination, the individual described the decision as “unreasonable and unfair.”
The employee, who was working remotely, highlighted the challenges of adapting to the company’s culture and Singaporean regulations in such a short period. He expressed surprise at the abrupt dismissal, despite understanding Singapore’s fast-paced work environment.
According to the post, the employer, described as a prominent lawyer, allegedly made discriminatory remarks about his language skills and nationality. She reportedly cited his perceived lack of English proficiency as a factor in her decision to terminate him.
The individual also claimed to have endured mental stress due to gaslighting and derogatory comments, despite putting in significant effort to meet the employer’s expectations. He noted that another employee was terminated after just nine days, leading him to question whether foreigners were being targeted.
“It was a deeply unpleasant experience working with Singaporeans. In professional fields, many Singaporeans can be discriminatory and condescending towards others,” he concluded.
Reactions and Discussions
The post sparked significant discussion online, with some Singaporeans sharing similar experiences of abrupt terminations during probationary periods.
One commenter explained, “This doesn’t only happen to foreigners but to locals as well. During probation, anyone can be asked to leave if deemed unsuitable from day one.”
Another noted, “Best thing to do is to move on. It doesn’t matter whether the employer is foreign or local. These things happen in competitive environments.”
One user highlighted the legal nuances of the case, saying, “You’re not officially employed under Singapore regulations, which is why you’re not covered by MOM (Ministry of Manpower) protections. Employers can exploit this.”
The incident has raised questions about employment practices in Singapore, particularly regarding probation periods and the treatment of foreign workers. While abrupt terminations are not uncommon, the allegations of discrimination bring to light concerns about workplace inclusivity and fairness.
