Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating claims that nearly 400 migrant workers, mostly from India and Bangladesh, were not paid by two Singapore-registered companies, raising concerns over worker welfare and wage protection, as reported by multiple media outlets.
The probe began after about 100 workers from KPA Engineering and SK Industries reported unpaid salaries. The number of complainants has since grown as more workers came forward.
On Tuesday, another 100 workers approached authorities, alleging unpaid wages and raising concerns about their housing arrangements.
Authorities step in
MOM and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) are now examining the workers' claims, including allegations related to salary arrears and accommodation issues.
The affected workers have been allowed to seek alternative employment while investigations continue.
Under Singapore's employment framework, workers involved in salary disputes are generally issued Special Passes, enabling them to remain legally in the country while their cases are resolved.
The growing scale of the complaints has also prompted greater involvement from migrant welfare organisations.
NGOs provide support
The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC), which advocates for fair employment practices and the welfare of migrant workers, said it had met more than 300 affected workers and was offering assistance.
The organisation has been providing meals after reports emerged that food caterers had stopped supplying food to the workers because of unpaid bills.
Michael Lim, Director of Migrant Workers Segment at the National Trade Union Congress, said MWC had engaged with hundreds of affected workers to provide support during the ongoing dispute.
Meanwhile, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a non-profit organisation focused on migrant worker rights, said workers from KPA Engineering had first reached out for help about a week ago and were advised to file salary claims through TADM.
Questions over companies
The directors of KPA Engineering and SK Industries, both reportedly owned by foreign nationals, could not be reached for comment.
The two firms share a common director who is also linked to five other businesses operating in sectors including air-conditioning, plumbing and building services.
Business records show that KPA Engineering was established in 2014 and currently has another active director. SK Industries was incorporated in 2023. The shared director is also reported to have registered three additional companies on the same day in 2025.
The situation has also drawn the attention of creditors, with reports suggesting that some have been attempting to contact one of the directors regarding alleged unpaid loans.
Transfer challenges
While authorities have allowed affected workers to look for new jobs, migrant worker advocates say the transition is often financially difficult.
Ethan Guo, Executive Director of Transient Workers Count Too said, "If they are lucky enough to find a job through an employment agency, the standard fee is two months' salary for a two-year contract, which they cannot afford to pay since they are already in financial difficulty."
Guo also highlighted, "The reality, however, is that employers usually persuade the workers to wait, sometimes making small payments along the way."
He added, “And the workers, having sunk in a lot of money in recruitment fees, are also reluctant to make a complaint for fear of losing their jobs. That's because the employers have the ability to cancel their work permits and repatriate them at any time.” - PTI
Calls for stronger protections
Labour rights groups have argued that the case underscores broader vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, particularly those who have already incurred substantial recruitment costs before arriving in Singapore.
Advocates have called for stronger safeguards to ensure workers can recover unpaid wages promptly and pursue employment transfers without incurring significant financial burdens.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working with affected workers while assessing the full extent of the alleged wage violations and related welfare concerns.