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More loopholes than laws: how Singapore failed to protect John Peter, part 1
A detailed documentation of John Peter Ayyavu's salary claim saga. It began with having to pay kickbacks to the boss in order to get the S-Pass job.
After forced repatriation thwarted, employer makes Shipon sweat it out
Our laws invest employers with a lot of power over foreign workers. But laws also give workers rights, Bosses can be so intoxicated with power, they get carried away.
Even experienced workers have bound hands
Exploitation of workers is not a result of ignorance on their part. When even experienced workers are unable to control their fate, there's something wrong with the system.
So what if you know English? You can still be bullied
Kumar speaks English fluently and he, of all people, should be able to interact with MOM directly over his injury claim, but he still engages a lawyer. Why?
Paid $5,000 to get job, worked 5 months, in limbo with no income for 18 months
"Who do you think profitted from the $5,000 you paid to get the job?" we ask Abjal. He's pretty sure the boss got half of it. The other half?
To put food on the table, ‘beloved’ is sent abroad to cry
What's it like to arrive in Singapore, take your first meal here and be confronted with a crowded dorm? Jan Shak Mohabbat recounts his first memories here.
Johirul, Monoar and wrongful dismissal, part 3
What do the law and guidelines say about wrongful dismissal? Does the operational process breathe life into the law and guidelines, or smother them?
Johirul, Monoar and wrongful dismissal, part 2
One week after starting work, Monoar was presented with a demand for a two-year bond and salary deduction. He refused to agree. He was then fired.
Johirul, Monoar and wrongful dismissal, part 1
The work permit application submitted by the new employer to MOM included a salary deduction that was never agreed with Johirul. The worker objected. He lost the job.
Masud’s wide-eyed days
Many young men in Bangladesh dream of coming to Singapore. We ask Masud what were his impressions when he first came.