1 in 7 Singapore employers satisfied with migrant workers, says labour ministry

Most employers in Singapore are satisfied with their migrant staff, while the workers themselves are reporting high satisfaction rates with their working and living conditions, according to a recent survey by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

The poll, published on August 21, found that 79.8% of Singapore’s employers were satisfied with the quality of foreign workers, with 75.2% renewing the work permits of more than 80% of their migrant workforce.

Worker satisfaction rates were also sky-high, with 95.3% of foreign workers claiming to be satisfied with working and living in Singapore. It marks the highest satisfaction level since the survey was first conducted in 2011. 

Employers were also proactive in providing additional support to their migrant workers, with nearly 90% offering benefits including salary increases, promotional opportunities, and additional skills training. 

Meanwhile, around 97% of migrant workers surveyed said they intend to keep working in Singapore after their contracts end, while another 92.3% said they would recommend their friends and relatives to work in the country. 

The MOM said the poll highlights a 'stable employment relationship' and reflects Singapore’s reputation as a preferred destination for work in the region.

“We are encouraged by the high and rising levels of satisfaction among workers, as well as their continued trust in MOM’s regulatory role,” said the ministry. 

“The strong adoption of fair employment practices and high employer retention rates point to a well-functioning system.”

A total of 2,212 employers and 2,825 migrant workers were surveyed between October 2023 and February 2024, according to the ministry.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said the survey results showed the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the living standards of migrant workers in the country.

“Our migrant workers play a vital role in building our nation, and their well-being remains a key priority for MOM,” he said. 

Dash added that the MOM is also reviewing the work permit framework that enables employers to gain better access to higher-skilled migrant workers. 

The Singaporean government rolled out several reforms in recent months to help local businesses find and retain experienced migrant employees. In July, it removed a long-standing cap on how long a migrant can work in the country, while the maximum employment age for work permit holders was raised from 60 to 63, aligning with Singapore’s retirement age.