1128 Written Answer by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on Effect of Improved Standards on Capacity of New Migrant Worker Dormitories

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1555 OF 2022 FOR THE SITTING ON 28 NOVEMBER 2022
QUESTION NO. 3913 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Desmond Choo

To ask the Minister for Manpower in view of the improved standards for new migrant workers dormitories that took effect on 18 September 2021 (a) whether there has been a reduction in the total foreign worker dormitory capacity compared to pre-implementation time; (b) if so, what is the level of such reduction; and (c) whether this new reduced capacity is sufficient to support Singapore’s construction development needs post-COVID-19.

Answer:
1. As announced last year, the improved dormitory standards are only imposed on new migrant worker dormitories that have applied for approval on or after 18 September 2021. There has not been a reduction in the total migrant worker dormitory capacity since September 2021.

2. As the economy recovers from COVID-19, there has been strong demand for dormitory beds as employers have been hiring more migrant workers to catch up on projects. The number of Work Permit holders in the Marine, Construction and Process sectors has increased by 25% since January 2022 and is 11% higher than pre-COVID levels.

3. As the numbers of migrant workers in Singapore are already significantly higher than pre-COVID, they cannot keep rising. Employers should secure housing for their workers before arrival in Singapore and take into account their ability to house new workers before they take on more projects.