Singapore charges engineering firm, general manager over unlicensed migrant worker dormitory

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has charged LBD Engineering Pte Ltd and its general manager, Alvin Lim Yee Hong, with allegedly operating an unlicensed foreign employee dormitory that housed 173 migrant workers between July 2025 and January 2026.

The charges were filed in court on October 29, 2026 under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015 (FEDA), following an investigation into the use of a factory premises at 58A Sungei Kadut Loop as worker accommodation.

MOM inspected the premises on 6 January 2026 and found approximately 300 bed spaces. Investigations subsequently found that LBD had converted parts of the premises into a dormitory and housed 173 migrant workers employed by four companies without a valid FEDA licence.

LBD faces one charge under Section 7(1) of the Act for allegedly operating the premises as a foreign employee dormitory without a licence.

Lim, a 35-year-old Singaporean who serves as LBD’s general manager, faces one charge under Section 7(1), read with Section 27(1)(a) of FEDA. He allegedly knew that the company did not hold the required licence but nevertheless allowed it to continue operating the premises as a dormitory.

Under FEDA, operating a foreign employee dormitory without a valid licence carries a fine of up to S$500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

MOM said licensing requirements are intended to ensure that dormitories provide safe and proper living conditions for migrant workers. Operating without a valid licence bypasses these safeguards and may put residents’ safety and well-being at risk.

The ministry said it would take firm enforcement action against operators providing foreign employee accommodation without the necessary licence. It also reminded employers that they are responsible for ensuring their migrant workers are housed in accommodation that meets relevant regulatory requirements.

Members of the public who suspect that a dormitory is operating without a licence or identify other breaches involving migrant worker accommodation can report them through MOM’s “Report an Infringement” eService. The ministry said information submitted would be kept strictly confidential.