Supporting migrant workers requires a whole-of-society effort

MWs are an integral part of Singapore’s development and have contributed to our society in meaningful ways. We thank Ms Tan Dawn Wei, Ms Kanwaljit Soin, Ms Pauline Margaret Chung and Mr Ethan Guo for their views and suggestions on strengthening support for MWs.

Over the years, Singapore has strengthened standards and safeguards for MWs across housing, healthcare, workplace safety, and social and recreational needs.

Since 2021, new dormitories have been required to meet higher standards, including more living space, lower room occupancy and en-suite bathrooms. Existing dormitories are being progressively upgraded with government support. The Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) first built-and-owned NESST Tukang dormitory launched earlier this year raises industry standards, showcasing how recreational spaces and community programmes can support MWs’ well-being. A second dormitory in Sengkang West will be operational in 2028. MOM is also redeveloping Soon Lee Recreation Centre into Singapore’s first Recreation Hub, with expanded facilities and services for MWs.

We understand concerns around recruitment costs and workers’ reliance on intermediaries. While a significant proportion of workers’ recruitment fees are incurred in their home countries and outside Singapore’s jurisdiction, we have put in place safeguards within Singapore, including capping fees that employment agencies in Singapore can charge workers. MOM has also been working with the industry to facilitate direct hiring of MWs, reducing reliance on middlemen in their home countries. This includes directly matching former construction MWs who wish to return to Singapore with prospective employers.

MOM is committed to protecting the employment rights of MWs. Employers who breach employment laws may face fines, debarment from hiring foreign workers and prosecution.