Singapore MOM calls for whole-of-society effort to strengthen migrant worker support

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has called for employers, industry groups and community organisations to work together to strengthen support for migrant workers, highlighting measures the government has introduced across housing, healthcare, workplace safety and well-being.

In a response dated May 29, MOM said migrant workers are an integral part of Singapore’s development and have made meaningful contributions to society. The ministry was responding to views and suggestions from members of the public on ways to strengthen support for migrant workers.

MOM said Singapore has progressively strengthened standards and safeguards covering migrant workers’ living conditions, healthcare, workplace safety and social and recreational needs.

Since 2021, new migrant worker dormitories have been required to meet higher standards, including more living space, lower room occupancy and en-suite bathrooms. Existing dormitories are also being progressively upgraded with government support.

MOM said its first government-built and owned dormitory, NESST Tukang, which opened earlier this year, aims to raise industry standards by demonstrating how recreational facilities and community programmes can contribute to migrant workers’ well-being.

A second government-built dormitory in Sengkang West is expected to become operational in 2028.

The ministry is also redeveloping Soon Lee Recreation Centre into Singapore’s first Recreation Hub, which will provide expanded facilities and services for migrant workers.

MOM said it has worked with community and industry partners to improve migrant workers’ access to affordable healthcare.

In 2023, the ministry increased mandatory medical insurance coverage for Work Permit and S Pass holders from S$15,000 to S$60,000 annually.

Migrant workers in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors also have access to affordable primary healthcare through the Primary Care Plan, introduced in 2022.

The scheme is scheduled for further enhancement in 2027, with more clinics planned near areas where large numbers of migrant workers live.

MOM is also working with HealthServe to strengthen mental health support through peer-support programmes and a 24-hour crisis helpline available in workers’ native languages.

The ministry acknowledged concerns over recruitment costs and migrant workers’ dependence on intermediaries.

It said a significant proportion of recruitment fees are incurred in workers’ home countries and therefore fall outside Singapore’s jurisdiction. Within Singapore, however, safeguards include limits on the fees employment agencies can charge workers.

MOM said it is also working with industry partners to facilitate more direct hiring of migrant workers, with the aim of reducing reliance on intermediaries in workers’ home countries.

One such initiative involves directly matching former construction migrant workers who want to return to Singapore with prospective employers.

MOM reiterated its commitment to protecting migrant workers’ employment rights, noting that employers who breach employment laws can face fines, debarment from hiring foreign workers and prosecution.

The ministry said continued progress in supporting migrant workers would require collaboration beyond government.

“As a society, we should continue striving to better support and uplift our MWs,” said Tan Li Sheng, Divisional Director of MOM’s Workplace Policy and Strategy Division.

He said employers, industry and community partners must work alongside MOM to safeguard migrant workers’ interests and well-being.