What are the legal provisions that enable MOM or employers to confine workers in dorms? Is MOM even complying with its own rules?
Over 300,000 migrant workers were locked down in their dormitories in April 2020. They would not be allowed to go out for leisure until 17 months later, when a tiny trickle were allowed out.
Singapore's construction labour force is characterised by a noticeable stratification by nationality. A study by a former TWC2 volunteer throws light on one reason why.
The permanent night shift made Zhong literally ill, but the employer would not allow a shift change. So he resigned, but going home was one problem after another.
One domestic worker had a blistered abdomen, another had blistered hands. Both felt they could tolerate their employment no longer. But leaving was not easy.
Musa and Akkas were sent to jail. They had tried to find a way to survive and this landed them in trouble.
Many Singaporeans, even though well meaning, think that migrant worker issues would be solved if only we "integrated" them better into Singapore society. Is that really a priority for migrant workers themselves?
Although he has worked many years in Singapore before, Elyas arrives in Singapore in February 2022 for a new job. He tells us two interesting things about the recruitment process.
MOM's directive that all dormitory-based workers must be paid their salaries through bank is nearly two years old. Yet a worker recently came to TWC2 saying he was paid in cash.
Borders are open and workers are coming back. So are the age-old abuses such as excessive recruitment fees and worker churn.
