We ask two workers to describe what exactly were the barriers they faced when they needed to leave their dorms. A third worker shares a screenshot of a WhatsApp exchange.
Through her two months with us, our intern spoke with many workers complaining about being confined in their dorms. She shares her reflections here.
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.
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.
A review of cases related to the SCAL retention scheme identified the main obstacles workers faced in getting onto the scheme. These obstacles meant more work at MOM and reduced effectiveness of the scheme.
It is good to see MOM put out warnings to employers on Faceboook against taking kickbacks, but if previous cases are any guide, few complaints by workers get anywhere.
Many low-wage migrant workers fear that lodging any complaint with the authorities may lead to their being blacklisted. Is this real or imagined? Our intern investigates.
Boss and worker agreed to renew work permit, but renewal process got stuck. Another company laid claim to the worker; its IPA approved by the Manpower ministry.
Dulal did not want to work for the current employer anymore. He would find a new job. The employer's reaction was to shackle him. The manpower ministry provided the metaphorical shackle.
It began when a worker said a company had gotten a Work Permit for him, except that he did not apply for a job there.
