Discussion: economics of labour migration
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.
Discussion: economics of labour migration
Latest figures from the Ministry of Manpower show how the numbers of foreign workers have more than bounced back since Covid-19.
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.
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.
Our volunteer spent two months interviewing workers seeking their perspective on the meals they get in the dormitories. Choice is an unknown concept.
Asad is propably overqualified to be a work permit holder in Singapore. Why is he even here? He explains his rationale, and yup, it's totally logical.
Border closures during Covid-19 disrupted the supply-demand equation for migrant workers. A year after borders re-opened, we speak with three first-time workers: how much did you pay to get your jobs?
Selvakumar has spent almost all his working life in Singapore. Does he feel much better off now than when he first came?
Two sons tell us what their fathers' basic wages were when the latter were working in Singapore. An older worker tells us what his starting salary was over twenty years ago, and what his current salary is today.
Two workers shared with us how much they borrowed to fund their recruitment. They also laid out their repayment schedules. With a bit of math, a stunning picture emerges.
When the construction industry faced a severe manpower shortage due to Covid-19 border closures, a funny thing happened to recruitment costs. Knowing the phenomenon would be ephemeral, a snapshot study was conducted.