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Research finding: Only a handful of workers have had rest days out from dorms
We hoped to find out how workers navigated the procedure for going out on rest days. Instead we found that most weren't going anywhere.
Fickle fortunes
Nahid's first job turned out relatively well, but he hadn't gone home to see his family in five years. So he resigned and, soon after, had to look for another job.
What happened with salary claims during the lockdown?
With mediation meetings too difficult to organise, most cases were suspended. With the gradual lifting, there's some movement, but little prospect of happy outcomes.
Where was your illegal recruiter? “In Singapore,” say Kamrul and Majumder
Kamrul and Majumder share something important: both their illegal recruiters were based here in Singapore. In Majumder's case, an additional payment was demanded by someone in the company.
Covid-19 in the dorms: summary for August 2020
Here's the first of our monthly summaries about Covid-19 related numbers and milestones, gleaned from media and government statements.
Socialised differently, migrant workers like Khairul helpless in Singapore
Relationships and trust figure strongly in how a Bangladeshi worker like Khairul operates in the world. In bureaucratic Singapore, they don't work so well.
Six little examples: Why can’t he get out of the dorm?
Injured workers who need to attend hospital follow-ups get caught in overly-strict rules about leaving their dorms for appointments. They might miss their doctor dates.
Covid-19: re-quarantining of dorms shows limits of Singapore’s strategy
Covid-19 will continue to appear repeatedly. If each time we see a cluster, we shut down thousands of workers, the economic cost will be very great.
Company denied an accident occurred; has yet to pay Nodia’s medical bills
Our volunteer speaks to Nodia at a point in his life where he has no control over his fate, only hope. This sense of powerlessness is a very common experience among migrant workers.
Four little stories: Help me get out of Singapore!
After long months of confinement, workers want to go home. But it is proving nearly as difficult as breaking out of jail. Reasons for policy remain unclear.