Discussion: economics of labour migration
5
09, 2023
Why do Bangladeshis choose to work in Singapore?
Our volunteer tries to understand the experiences of young Bangladeshi men that motivate them to seek work abroad.
25
08, 2023
Getting sick can cost more than just five dollars
Since April 2022, migrant workers in dorms should have had access to primary care doctors with co-payment of just five dollars. Our study looks at uptake and workers' perceptions of the scheme.
1
08, 2023
Struggles and sacrifices as cost of living rises
What changed for migrant workers between 2019 (pre-Covid) and 2023 - in terms of salary, food costs, remittances, etc? A report from a survey of nearly 500 workers and focus group discussions.
24
07, 2023
The weight of off-topic comments
The things that migrant workers spontaneously mention to TWC2 gives us insight into their concerns. They begin with a cockroach.
20
06, 2023
Here for 46 days, worked for 24
Ponmugan spoke no English. His only experience of work was as a casual day labourer. What happens when he's thrown into our bureaucratic workstyle.
16
06, 2023
Twenty years from now, where will our cheap labour come from?
Singapore is facing a migrant labour cruch that is many times worse than what we experienced during Covid, albeit that it may be 20 years away. But we're not mentally ready to prepare and adapt.
5
06, 2023
Foreign workforce numbers, 2022
Latest figures from the Ministry of Manpower show how the numbers of foreign workers have more than bounced back since Covid-19.
30
05, 2023
Food left outside dorms while serious thinking left outside minds, part 2
Why is bad food for migrant workers such an intractable issue? Because it is a complex one that requires policy overhaul from the top, but policy overhaul requires an admission that current policy is failing.
30
05, 2023
Food left outside dorms while serious thinking left outside minds, part 1
In April 2023, the Straits Times reported on the leaving of food packets beside roadways and in open fields – food meant for migrant workers; we say the catering system will never work.
7
05, 2023
The price of labour migration: dreadful catered meals
Our volunteer spent two months interviewing workers seeking their perspective on the meals they get in the dormitories. Choice is an unknown concept.