Intended Designation of the National Trades Union Congress as a Politically Significant Person Under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021

1. The Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures (“Registrar”) intends to designate the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as a Politically Significant Person (PSP) under section 47(1) of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 (FICA). ¹ The Registrar served a Notice of Intended Designation (“Notice”) to NTUC on 11 July 2024.

2. The Registrar has assessed that given NTUC’s close nexus and symbiotic relationship with the People’s Action Party (“PAP”), it is in the public interest for countermeasures under FICA to be applied to NTUC.

3. As a designated PSP, NTUC would be required to make annual disclosures to the Registrar on: (a) political donations of $10,000 or more that NTUC receives and accepts, and (b) foreign affiliations. ² These transparency requirements will mitigate NTUC’s risk of being a target of foreign interference.

4. Similar to other designated PSPs, NTUC has 14 days from the date of the Notice to submit representations to the Registrar. If NTUC is designated, NTUC may appeal to the Minister for Home Affairs against the Registrar’s decision.

[1] The Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures is the competent authority appointed by the Minister for Home Affairs under FICA to be responsible for the administration of the provisions relating to PSPs (except election candidates and election agents).

[2] “Political donation” is defined in section 51 of FICA. Foreign affiliations are defined as “reportable arrangements” in section 78 of FICA.