SINGAPORE - A confluence of factors had led to delays in moving Covid-19-positive workers living in the Westlite Jalan Tukang dormitory to off-site care and recovery facilities, the Migrant Wokers' Centre (MWC) said on Wednesday (Oct 20). This included disorder in the roll-out of new testing and isolation protocols, logistical and resource challenges in the transfer to care facilities, and an unexpected spike in infections among residents in the dormitory, MWC chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said in a media statement. The statement came after a team from MWC, accompanied by representatives of the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees' Union, visited the Jurong dorm last Friday. Mr Yeo said that most of the workers' concerns regarding newly implemented safe management measures and Covid-19 testing and isolation protocols were resolved within a day after their plight was covered on local media last Thursday. Among the new measures implemented at dorms since the start of this month are that fully vaccinated workers who test positive for Covid-19 and have no symptoms are to isolate and recover in a dedicated facility within their dormitory for up to 10 days, while workers with symptoms are to be given a polymerase chain reaction test and sent to a community care facility or hospital depending on their condition. Mr Yeo said workers whom MWC spoke to confirmed that the authorities "promptly resolved the situation by working with the dormitory operator and employers to rectify the delays and bring order and stability back to the dormitory". He added: "They also told us that since the improvements were made, the transfer process for Covid-19-positive cases had become more timely, and they hoped that the smoother process would continue." The dormitory came under the spotlight last week after reports of delays in workers with Covid-19 being sent to care facilities. Things came to a head when workers gathered en masse to voice their frustrations last Wednesday, and riot police were deployed to the vicinity. Mr Yeo said a team from MWC and representatives from the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees' Union had visited the dormitory to confirm that issues raised were being addressed, to check on the residents' physical and emotional state and to assist them to resolve any lingering or new employment or well-being related issues. Though many others had already been moved from the dormitory and many of the remaining residents had not returned from work at the time of the visit, they were able to engage with about 200 migrant workers. During the visit, Mr Yeo said they learnt that some of the migrant workers did not understand the reasons and strategy behind the new safe management measures, testing and isolation protocols, which might have contributed to the confusion and disorder. He added: "We have fed this back to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and are working urgently with them to strengthen the communications and engagement, push out newly developed educational materials, in video and print, and translated to the native languages, through our MWC Ambassador Network (made up of senior migrant workers within the same workplaces and living places) and social media channels." Mr Yeo said that through the ambassadors and other communication channels, including MWC's 24-hour helpline, it will also be monitoring the situation on the implementation of the new protocols and will surface any other irregularities or delays immediately for MOM's attention. More on this topic Related Story Dorm residents relieved at changes to Covid-19 health protocols Related Story All 1,400 Sembmarine workers in Westlite Jalan Tukang dorm vaccinated against Covid-19, says firm Pictures of food that workers were given that was spoilt or contained insects had been circulated online, and Mr Yeo said MWC understands the authorities are investigating the matter. He added that though they were not able to meet anyone who encountered such food, many of the workers they spoke to said there was sometimes issues with the timeliness and quantity of the meals provided to them prior Oct 13, and new controls put in by the authorities and employers ensured that these issues were rectified since then. Migrant workers had told the team that more could be done to ensure that catered food meets the tastes and dietary preferences of the workers, especially those from China. Westlite Jalan Tukang residents believed to be Covid-19 positive in their beds As those coming China have a wide range of dietary preferences based on where they are from, My Yeo said it can sometimes take time to reach the optimal catering arrangements for them, and while this was explained to the workers, they were told that it is an endeavour that the employer must do right. "We repeated to the Chinese migrant workers that their employer had committed to put more attention and resources into working out the most optimal dietary preference solutions as soon as possible and reassured them that we too would continue to monitor the progress of this aspect," Mr Yeo. Mr Yeo added his team was told that up until the week before Oct 13, the Chinese workers were able to make online purchases of more familiar Chinese sundries, groceries and rations unobtainable from the dormitory's on-site minimart, which would be delivered to them in the dormitory and allow them to supplement their catered food with more familiar dietary options. The workers explained that these deliveries to the dormitory were stopped a week earlier, ceasing this self-help option, and accentuating the less-than-optimal catering situation. Workers at Jurong dorm allege neglect, frustrated with lack of medical care for Covid-19 MWC reflected to the employers and dormitory management to restart the deliveries into the dormitory, and Mr Yeo said the dormitory residents appreciate the return of this additional service. Mr Yeo also said that the engagement also raised certain concerns some migrant workers had regarding their workplace environment. These were recorded and sent to the employers so that steps may be taken to create a safer and more conducive work environment for all workers. MWC did not say what these concerns were. "We understand that the employers are implementing some measures in response to our feedback," he said. "As with the other feedback we have given to the various stakeholders, we will also continue to monitor these new measures, as well as the sentiment and condition of the migrant workers in response." Mr Yeo also thanked welfare and corporate organisations that have stepped forward to donate sundries and provisions to the workers, as well as members of the public for their care and concern. He said: "Having visited the dormitory to observe the mood and situation amongst the residents, as well as engage with them directly, we can update that the situation has been stabilised, with the key concerns of the workers having also been addressed or in the process of being rectified. Well-wishers who wish to contribute towards supporting the needy or distressed migrant workers in general, can do so via this website. More on this topic Related Story Experts see less need to test migrant workers in S'pore who do not have Covid-19 symptoms Related Story Larger living spaces, better ventilation among improved standards for new migrant worker dorms
SINGAPORE - For many of the 8,000 migrant workers living in PPT Lodge 1B dormitory, Mr Letchumanan Muralidharan, 47, has been their translator, mediator and confidant. When the dorm, also known as S11 Dormitory @ Punggol, was locked down on April 5 last year after being declared an isolation area, the construction worker from India stepped forward to help distribute food and bridge the language gap between residents, the dorm operator and the authorities. Over the past 18 months, he has helped fellow workers to manage salary disputes and problems at home, or to translate the latest government bulletins for them. Now, he is among 1,200 migrant workers who have been recruited as volunteers to strengthen the social support system for their peers. This network of volunteers, called Friends of Ace, was announced during the Budget debate in March. Since then, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has recruited volunteers of various nationalities from close to 300 dorms here. The network can reach about 200,000 migrant workers, or about 75 per cent of all workers living in dorms, MOM said. The volunteers will help make it easier for their fellow workers to raise issues with the ministry. They will also boost the Government's outreach efforts in dorms and help rally workers to participate in social activities. All volunteers will undergo basic mental health training and learn basic first aid skills. Those interested can also take up psychological first aid training. The training has been useful for Mr Murali. He recalled helping a worker who fell into depression and stopped eating after his wife died of cancer. This was during last year's circuit breaker and there were no flights to India. Working with the authorities, Mr Murali was eventually able to get the worker on a flight back to India. "I am very happy to volunteer. I came to Singapore in 1996 and Singapore has always supported me. So I don't mind helping," he said. More on this topic Related Story Ace Group to support well-being of migrant workers as permanent unit under MOM Related Story Migrant workers living in dorms thrilled to return to Little India for first time in 1½ years
SINGAPORE - In Little India, jewellers that could count on five-digit takings each weekend are struggling to hold on, while a previously vibrant community space that drew Bangladeshi workers from across the island no longer pulses with fellowship. In Geylang, Internet cafes once lit with neon and filled with night owls seeking respite from their weekday grind have gone dark. Enclaves that once drew their energies from and were the go-to weekend haunts for migrant worker communities here have been markedly changed since Covid-19 restrictions were implemented in March last year and dormitories locked down in April last year. Eighteen months later, there is finally light as a long-awaited pilot scheme for workers to return to the larger community begins this week, but many businesses are on their last legs - if they have not already called it quits. In November 2018, Mr AKM Mohsin took over Swaad, a vegetarian restaurant in Desker Road, in hopes of offsetting expenses for his work with the Bengali migrant worker community. Little did he know the pandemic would ravage his business by up to 80 per cent, even though the restaurant was largely patronised by Indian Singaporeans and tourists, who never returned as they avoided the area out of fear of being infected by foreign workers. Despite rental relief of four months, two by the Government and two by his landlord, he had no choice but to close the restaurant. "I had planned for the restaurant to help support Banglar Kantha and Dibashram, but it became a burden," said Mr Mohsin, 57. Banglar Kantha is a Bengali-language newspaper that Mr Mohsin is editor of, and Dibashram - Bengali for daycare - is a cultural and activity centre he started to cater to Bengali migrant workers in Singapore. Before the pandemic, Dibashram was a vibrant space that saw migrant workers from all over Singapore coming together to socialise, read and jam together. Now, physical activities have all but stopped, replaced instead with online discussions that are a pale imitation of the vibrant atmosphere of the Desker Road shophouse that houses Dibashram. Mr Mohsin's struggle is a familiar one throughout Little India, a regular haunt of migrant workers from both India and Bangladesh, many of whom live in dormitories. Mr AKM Mohsin had to close Swaad, his vegetarian restaurant in Desker Road. ST PHOTO: WALLACE WOON Following the restrictions imposed on those living in dormitories last March, businesses in Little India have struggled to make ends meet, much more than other migrant worker enclaves The Straits Times visited. Mr Ruthirapathy, 52, honorary secretary of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, estimates a 50 per cent drop in footfall compared with before the pandemic. This, he said, translated to falls in revenue of up to 80 per cent for some shopkeepers. Mr M. Rakkapan, director of Satya Jewellery, said the store used to make about $30,000 on weekends alone, accounting for about two-thirds of the monthly revenue. Almost all of its Sunday takings have dried up since last March. "I still have to pay my monthly rental and my staff," said Mr Rakkapan, adding he has survived only with the weekly patronage of some of the Malaysian workers who are unable to travel out of Singapore. He said he appreciated the Government's assistance with wages and rents during the circuit breaker from April to June last year, but said these were not enough to save every business in the area. More on this topic Related Story Spots popular with migrant workers in S'pore help provide a sense of community Mr Sirajul Islam, 56, can attest to that. His wholesale business, Costkom, which imports groceries from Bangladesh and distributes them to minimarts and dormitories here, had to shut down last year. Started in 2018, the firm operated out of a warehouse in Pioneer North and had around 200 customers at its peak and an annual turnover of over $1 million, he said. "The business went down to zero, as all the minimarts had to close during the circuit breaker, so I had to throw away my entire last shipment from December 2019." "I don't know how to survive," he said, adding that his wife has been running a Malay food takeaway business to help the family make ends meet. The couple have four children, aged between 12 and 26. He also said he estimated about $150,000 was needed to restart his distribution business, and has started to sell produce gained through a line of credit from his contacts at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre to about 50 loyal customers. It is a similarly bleak situation for E-Lover Internet Cafe in Geylang. The owner, who wanted to be known only as Mr Chua, said he was calling it a day for his business. Mr Chua walks through his shop while looking at workers remove lighting fixtures on Sept 4, 2021. ST PHOTO: WALLACE WOON As workers tore down light fixtures and emptied the fridges of bottled drinks earlier in the month, the 65-year-old described how packed his business used to be on the weekends. He said in Mandarin: "I used to have 35 computer stations, but I can operate only eight now. Even then, my customers can't come." A few units down at an eatery selling Bangladeshi cuisine, a sole worker peeled onions among the empty seats on a Saturday afternoon earlier in the month when ST visited the store. Restaurant worker Magandran Nadarajan, 45, said only a quarter of the number of customers before now come on a Sunday, adding that "everyone would come, not just Bangladeshis". Not all locations popular with migrant workers are in a similar state of duress. Businesses in Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza, frequented by the Filipino and Myanmar communities, respectively, have not faced the same issues as most of their customers have been able to visit on their days off. Myanmar nationals at a provision shop located inside Peninsula Plaza on Sept 11, 2021. ST PHOTO: TAY HONG YI Optician Tony Lin has operated out of his Peninsula Plaza unit for over four decades. The owner of Berlin Optics and Contact Lens Centre said in Mandarin that his shop is evenly split between Myanmar and Singaporean customers. "We have many old regulars, as well as newer Burmese customers," said Mr Lin, who is in his 60s. Due to his local customer base, business was not hit as hard, with a 30 per cent drop in customers overall, and a 10 per cent to 20 per cent drop in Myanmar customers, many of whom are foreign domestic workers unaffected by the restrictions faced by those living in dormitories. More on this topic Related Story Little India shops look forward to business boost from pilot scheme for migrant workers Related Story Plans are in place to ease Covid-19 restrictions on migrant workers Responding to the announcement of the pilot programme, which would allow up to 500 vaccinated migrant workers back into the community each week, Mr Lin said that it was good for business, especially one like his, which cannot be conducted easily online. "So long as the Government judges that it is safe, we welcome as many foreign workers from the dorms back into the community as possible," he said. Shop owners in Little India were not the only ones to feel the loss of weekend visitors. Resident Stephen Kwok, 56, who has lived in Klang Road for 13 years, said they added vibrancy to the area on those days. For freelance designer Dixon Quek, one business claimed by the pandemic was a loss he felt personally. "My favourite tailor is gone and, if this pandemic continues, there will be a loss of culture." Customers at the Satya Jewellery store in Little India on Sept 5, 2021. ST PHOTO: WALLACE WOON Workers, in the meantime, are looking forward to the pilot scheme which starts this week, where 500 workers a week will be allowed to venture to Little India. Block cleaner Hussein Mosharof, 23, from Bangladesh, said he ran important errands on weekends. "I buy my food supplies for two weeks, send money back to my family and meet friends." His compatriot, Mr Hossan Shahadat, 33, said the open plaza bounded by Syed Alwi Road, Desker Road and Lembu Road - affectionately called Bangla Square by migrant workers - was an important meeting point for many workers as it was the one central location where people living in dormitories all over Singapore could gather. He said the past 16 months had been very difficult for workers. "Some of them, so long no going out, going crazy." Despite the headwinds faced by Little India businesses, the people ST spoke to remained optimistic migrant workers will return to the area when the situation permits. Mr Abdul Basheer, outlet manager of Stop82, a Desker Road store that sells affordable clothes and footwear, said: "They will still come back. They know this place already; it has everything they need and things are cheap here."
SINGAPORE - Spaces like Little India mean more than the sum of its parts to the migrant workers who frequent the area. They are, of course, a one-stop spot for familiar food, groceries and services, but these spaces also allow migrant workers to socialise widely and roam freely in a way that dormitories and work sites do not readily allow. The Straits Times spoke to both migrant workers and groups that work with them to understand why these spaces are important. Migrant worker Nurul Alam said Sunday, a common day off for many of them, was a special day for foreign workers in Singapore in pre-Covid-19 days. The 34-year-old, who comes from Bangladesh, said: "We could eat foods like (Bangladeshi) sweets that are not available elsewhere in Singapore." He and his fellow workers would have meals and hang out together. Mr Nurul hopes things will go back to as before soon. "Workers like us hope it will be easier to enjoy ourselves and at least visit the plaza (in Lembu Road), while respecting the law of Singapore. "We don't want much; we just want to be mentally healthy," he said, adding that many workers are frustrated and depressed due to the movement restrictions. Ms Desiree Leong, casework manager for non-domestic foreign workers at the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, said that popular gathering spots such as the plaza help provide community, dignity and autonomy. She said workers could leave their dormitories for three hours to go to designated recreation centres, which may not be near where they live, and cannot meet friends and relatives who are allocated to a different recreation centre. "Many of our clients tell us that they and their fellow residents do not feel that the visits are worth the onerous restrictions, criteria and application process," she added. Mr Alan Oei, 45, is co-founder and executive director of OH! Open House, an independent arts organisation that tells alternative stories of Singapore through art. It organised an ongoing art walk in the Jalan Besar neighbourhood centred on the theme of refuge for marginalised communities. The area is a popular space among migrant workers. For instance, one of the art pieces featured in the walk is a mini-documentary-cum-music video by local rapper Subhas that highlights the struggles some migrant workers have faced. A resident exits a lift while an Indian migrant worker uses his phone at the void deck of a block of flats in Klang Road, Little India, on Sept 5, 2021. ST PHOTO: WALLACE WOON Mr Oei said: "We have been looking at the Jalan Besar neighbourhood for at least eight years, but hesitated going in because it is a complex socio-political space that needed complex work to do it justice. "Even now, we feel like outsiders: Hence our theme (for the tour) 'Refuge for Strangers'." He also said that neighbourhoods constantly evolve to the demands and needs of businesses and people who visit, but this should be organic, rather than via state policy. More on this topic Related Story Migrant worker enclaves in S'pore transformed after year and a half of Covid-19 curbs Mr AKM Mohsin, founder of migrant workers' activity centre Dibashram, said migrant workers - like anybody else - still desire a change in scenery from time to time despite the comprehensive amenities in larger purpose-built dormitories such as minimarts and recreational facilities. "These areas are where they can meet their friends and relatives who work in other places or live in other dormitories, while getting the services they need, such as sending money back home," he said. Nonetheless, he cautioned against allowing too many workers back into the community too quickly. From this week, 500 workers a week will be allowed to go to Little India in a pilot scheme. He said: "Letting 500 workers out is very little, but it is a good sign that they can at least go out. It is better that we keep the numbers controlled because I worry that if someone gets infected outside, it will spread again inside the dormitories. "This is both for their own good and for the larger community." More on this topic Related Story Little India shops look forward to business boost from pilot scheme for migrant workers Related Story Plans are in place to ease Covid-19 restrictions on migrant workers
SINGAPORE - For the past year and a half, shopkeepers in Little India have been hit hard by a drastic fall in income as migrant workers who would throng the area on weekends were confined to their dormitories as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Crowds of more than 200,000 workers on a typical pre-pandemic weekend dwindled to just a few thousand who live outside of the dorms, said Mr Ruthirapathy Parthasarathy, honorary secretary of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (Lisha). So the announcement of a long-awaited pilot scheme allowing up to 500 vaccinated migrant workers to visit Little India weekly is music to the ears of businesses. Mr Ruthirapathy, 52, told The Straits Times that Lisha has been working with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to turn the pilot programme into reality. Two weeks ago, it held an on-site meeting with MOM to discuss the possibility of having workers visit Little India. Last Saturday, it conducted a site visit with MOM officers, going to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Masjid Angullia and various shops in the area. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple will extend its visiting hours to accommodate workers in the pilot scheme, said Mr Ruthirapathy. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made with Masjid Angullia to allocate specific time slots for migrant workers to visit the mosque. Lisha has also worked with grocers to offer small discounts to migrant workers in anticipation of the scheme's launch, he added. The plan is to bus workers from their dorms to a designated spot in Tekka Lane. From there, workers will be able to go to the temple or mosque, and then visit nearby grocery shops and eateries. They will meet back at a pre-appointed spot and return to their dorms once their allocated time is up. MOM said on Thursday that the visits will last from four to six hours. Mr Ruthirapathy said workers will have some freedom to go where they like, but there will be MOM officers to ensure they stay in the area. "They won't be following them, but they will be there in Little India at the same time," he said. Announcing the pilot scheme during a visit to Westlite Mandai dormitory on Thursday (Sept 9), Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Koh Poh Koon said workers must comply with the same Covid-19 measures as the rest of the community in Little India. Covid-19: Timely to give migrant workers more freedom of movement, says expert | THE BIG STORY More on this topic Related Story Up to 500 vaccinated migrant workers allowed into community each week as part of pilot programme Related Story Coronavirus microsite: Get latest updates, videos and graphics Safe distancing ambassadors, volunteers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be tapped to keep them safe, he said. Mr Elango Subramaniam, 50, owner of Gandhi Restaurant in Chander Road, said migrant workers made up 20 per cent to 30 per cent of his business, and he is hopeful the pilot scheme will bring back some sales. "Definitely, we miss having them around. They add more life to the atmosphere in Serangoon Road and Little India," he said. Construction worker Islam Shoriful, 35, said the first thing he will do is send money back to Bangladesh. Next on his wish list is a good meal at a restaurant, while keeping strictly to safe distancing measures. "I would feel so happy because I have not seen my friends for a long time," he told reporters. Migrant worker NGOs welcomed the pilot scheme, but some said it needs to be scaled up quickly. More clarity is also needed on what constitutes a successful pilot. More on this topic Related Story Plans are in place to ease Covid-19 restrictions on migrant workers Related Story Afternoon of fun and games in campaign to welcome migrant workers to the community Ms Jewel Yi, co-lead of the Covid-19 Migrant Support Coalition, also called on the authorities and the public to address xenophobic sentiments against migrant workers, and to avoid scapegoating them as restrictions are eased. In a Facebook post, the Migrant Workers' Centre said it is glad MOM is lifting restrictions while ensuring that precautions such as testing, vaccination and safe management measures continue to be observed. "The mood should still be cautious," the National Trades Union Congress-backed NGO wrote. However, Mr Alex Au, vice-president of migrant rights group Transient Workers Count Too, said MOM needs to expand the pilot rapidly to make it meaningful. It also needs to allow workers to meet friends or relatives living in different dorms during these visits. "Workers are not going to Little India just to look at the streets and shops. They want to meet people. That is the human element that is missing and, therefore, so distressing," said Mr Au. 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SINGAPORE - For the past 16 months, since movement within migrant workers' dormitories began to be restricted, one man has been trying to keep his fellow Bangladeshis here informed and entertained from his living room in Tampines. For an hour or two each Saturday, Mr Nazmul Khan, 40, transports migrant workers out of their dorm rooms into a virtual world of song and camaraderie, providing relief from cabin fever even during the darkest days of lockdown. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
SINGAPORE - A new initiative to pay random visits to employers and their foreign domestic workers has uncovered some instances of employers illegally holding on to their workers' passports and work permits. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has made 200 such checks since last month. Domestic workers and migrant welfare groups told The Straits Times (ST) that the new measures, which include conducting more in-person interviews with maids, would help ensure decent living and working arrangements for them. Advocacy groups, however, said that mandating proper conditions would be even better. In response to queries from ST, an MOM spokesman said: "Thus far, employers have been supportive and allowed our officers to interview their migrant domestic workers (MDWs)." The initiative comes on the heels of a few cases where domestic helpers were badly abused. In February, housewife Gaiyathiri Murugayan admitted to starving and torturing Myanmar maid Piang Ngaih Don, 24, leading to her death. As at December last year, 247,000 work permits had been issued for foreign domestic workers, the MOM spokesman added. MOM also said its officers are trained to look out for signs of abuse and pick up cues of stress and anxiety while speaking to domestic helpers. Each house visit typically lasts 20 minutes. In-person interviews with workers are done by the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), an initiative of the National Trades Union Congress. Since late 2017, the centre has interviewed an average of 2,000 randomly selected domestic workers a month, and it aims to expand the interviews to cover all first-time migrant domestic workers by the year end. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDE currently conducts interviews by video. CDE executive director Shamsul Kamar said: "Common areas of concern raised by a small number of migrant domestic workers include insufficient rest and food; having their personal documents such as passports, work permits, contract being withheld from them; unsafe work environment, methods; or illegal deployment and salary issues. These cases are reported to MOM for further investigation." Mr Shamsul added that CDE reports cases where domestic helpers are physically harmed by their employer to the police immediately. Indonesian domestic helper Nelvin Ganaga said she is happy to hear of MOM's new initiative. She said it is important for MOM to ensure that domestic workers have sufficient time and space to talk to their families and make friends in Singapore. The 39-year-old experienced abuse with a former employer in 2015. The employer's daughter and mother would step on Ms Ganaga when she slept at night and even spat in her food once. The seven-year-old child would also pinch Ms Ganaga until she was bruised and continued to do so even after being scolded by Ms Ganaga's employer. More on this topic Related Story Foreign domestic worker welcomes new house visit scheme by MOM Related Story Maid abuse: Why Singapore must do more to stop it Although Ms Ganaga asked to return to her agency, her employer refused and sent her back to Jakarta instead. Ms Ganaga then spent a month in Batam before coming back to Singapore, but it meant she had to pay new agency fees all over again to work here. Ms Ganaga began working in 2016 for her current employer, with whom she has a good relationship. She treats the family's children like her own, she said. Employers who spoke to ST said they support the house visits as that is one way to ensure domestic helpers are being treated fairly. Ms Ganaga's current employer, Ms Lau Joon-Nie, 50, said: "It's a step in the right direction to check on MDWs' well-being and mental health, given that it's been a tough year for everyone and those of them who were due for home leave would not have been able to return." Added Ms Lau, director of a non-profit organisation that focuses on the media industry: "Helpers are not mind readers, nor did they grow up in the environment we did, so they cannot be assumed to know what we expect from them. It helps to ask oneself: How would you want your employer to treat you if you were in their shoes?" Local migrant welfare groups said more can be done to support foreign domestic workers here. The former president of Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), Mr John Gee, listed equipping each domestic helper with a mobile phone, easing their terms for transfer and giving them access to an employer's past record on hired help as other steps that can be implemented. He also said the authorities should look into ensuring helpers have a mandatory day off each week which cannot be negotiated away for payment. "A worker who goes out freely can seek advice from other workers, non-governmental organisations, her agents or MOM and could leave her employers if she felt desperate enough. In such cases, potential abusers might well think twice before acting, and workers could act in their own defence before any abuse escalated," he said. More on this topic Related Story Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid: Govt to review 3 areas to ensure it doesn't happen again Related Story Some maids forced to work for free on days off amid phase 2 measures
SINGAPORE - Singapore would have been hit hard by a shortfall of at least 100,000 workers and 30,000 domestic workers if migrant workers had not been allowed to enter after the circuit breaker period last year, the Ministry of Manpower said on Tuesday (May 18). MOM said that the Republic would have had a labour shortage of 70,000 service sector workers, 30,000 construction workers and 30,000 domestic workers if Singapore had closed its borders last year. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed this in response to recent calls by members of the public to shut Singapore's borders entirely in order to bring down the number of imported Covid-19 cases. It noted that it has, since May 2, "completely stopped entry of all from South Asia". "At the same time, businesses have been appealing for more workers to be allowed to enter Singapore to address manpower shortages," it said. MOM said that the outflow of migrant workers has exceeded the inflow over the past year, and as a result of border restrictions to mitigate importation risks, Singapore has not been able to adequately replace those who have left. It did not say how many migrant workers have arrived here since the circuit breaker last year. "Border restrictions will impact Singaporeans' daily lives and this will be felt more keenly in the coming weeks and months," the ministry said in its statement. "Our restrictions on inflow of workers from higher-risk countries will also likely persist for some time, until the situation improves. This is the only way we can ensure the safe inflow of workers, while managing the risk of transmission in the community." More on this topic Related Story Allow foreign workers into S'pore in safe and controlled manner, say construction firms Related Story Would S'pore have avoided a return to phase 2 if it had shut the borders early?
When the Covid-19 outbreak hit dormitories in Singapore last year, conditions in the living quarters were pinpointed as a reason for the spike in cases. A year after dorm cases hit a daily high, Insight looks at how dormitory living has been transformed even as the fight against Covid-19 continues to be felt daily by the workers living in the quarters, with the timeline for workers to return to the community unclear given the latest spate of cases. How life has changed for migrant workers since Covid-19 cases peaked in 2020 Covid-19 cases in migrant worker dormitories had been close to zero for months and plans were in place for rules to be relaxed, but a recent flare-up at Westlite Woodlands has thrown a spanner in the works. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said there were plans for some easing of restrictions for migrant workers and dormitories. "But given the fact that today we have got new variants of concern, and I think you can see that we have also got this new number of cases that have come up, we've decided to put it on hold for a while," he said. "We hope that you can help us to garner support and also patience from the migrant workers, from the employers towards our measures, and we will do everything possible in a very careful, measured and calibrated way once the numbers are down again." READ MORE HERE More space in rooms, but migrant workers yearn to go out to relax Before the pandemic hit migrant worker dormitories hard last year, Indian construction foreman Mathiyalagan Kathikeyan used to share a room with 11 other people. Now, there are only eight others in his room. He misses going out on Sundays to meet his friends, and visiting East Coast Park and Little India. Now, he has to apply for an exit pass to visit a recreation centre, which he does once every few weeks. READ MORE HERE Singapore workers adapt to safety steps but labour crunch an issue Like clockwork, marine worker Miah Md Liton, 34, checks in using SafeEntry and takes his temperature when he arrives at his workplace in Shipyard Road at 7am. At a daily briefing before he starts his work, which involves fixing and welding pipes for ships, the Bangladeshi national is reminded to keep a safe distance of at least 1m from his co-workers. His safety helmet is marked with red tape, another reminder that he and his colleagues from a different-coloured zone cannot mingle or have lunch together. READ MORE HERE New infections mean freer rest days are some way off It was a rainy night last Saturday, and Terusan Recreation Centre in Pioneer was buzzing with activity. Migrant workers were spotted making a beeline for a row of shops at the centre, leaving with bulging bags of fresh produce or sporting new haircuts. In the beer garden, many relaxed over cans of Kingfisher and Kalyani Black Label, popular brands of Indian beer. Others drifted towards the football pitch, where a four-on-four game - the largest currently allowed under Singapore's safe distancing measures - was under way. READ MORE HERE Purpose-built dorms now 60% filled, down from 88% a year ago The average occupancy in purpose-built dormitories (PBDs) for migrant workers is around 60 per cent of their maximum limit today, down from 88 per cent a year ago, the authorities said on Friday. This is because some workers have moved into new quick-build dorms (QBDs) and construction temporary quarters (CTQs), while others have returned home, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Ministry of National Development (MND) told The Straits Times. Since April last year, when Covid-19 cases in dorms hit a peak of more than 1,000 a day, additional sites and bed spaces have been added to house about 60,000 migrant workers so as to reduce the density of existing dorms. READ MORE HERE
SINGAPORE - Covid-19 cases in migrant worker dormitories had been close to zero for months and plans were in place for rules to be relaxed, but a recent flare-up at Westlite Woodlands has thrown a spanner in the works. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (April 22), Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said there were plans for some easing of restrictions for migrant workers and dormitories. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
SINGAPORE - A second migrant worker who was travelling in the back of a lorry that crashed into a stationary tipper truck on the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) has died. The man died of his injuries in hospital, said the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) in a Facebook post on Friday morning (April 23). "We are in contact with his mother, who is also working in Singapore, to extend our assistance and deepest condolences to her and the family," said MWC in the post. One other worker has been moved out of the intensive care unit and is now in the high-dependency unit. Another three are still recovering in hospital, said MWC. The accident happened on Tuesday morning. There were 17 workers sitting in the back of the lorry and were on their way to a worksite in Woodlands at the time. Mr Toffazal Hossain, 33, a Bangladeshi, died from his injuries in hospital on the same day of the accident. Mr Toffazal leaves behind his parents, his wife and a two-year-old son. He has three sisters, who are all married, and a younger brother, who is still studying. MWC said on Friday that it has contacted Mr Toffazal's brother to better understand their family situation and the assistance they require. "He was the sole breadwinner of the family. We are also in touch with Tofazzal's wife to see how else can we help them tide through this very difficult period," said MWC. The lorry driver, a 36-year-old man, has been arrested for careless driving causing death. The police were alerted at 6.06am on Tuesday to the accident on the PIE towards Changi Airport before the Jalan Bahar exit. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said two people were found trapped in the rear compartment of the lorry. They were rescued using hydraulic equipment. The lorry passengers, aged between 23 and 46, were taken to National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. The police said two of the workers were unconscious after the accident. The Straits Times understands that all of the passengers are foreign workers who work for Bright Asia Construction. MWC said in its Facebook post that the workers should be protected under the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica) as the accident took place while they were en route to the worksite. The non-government organisation said it will also contact the deceased workers' loved ones to offer their sympathies and extend interim financial assistance to them, "as it will take some time for Wica to be paid out". Contributions to the affected workers or towards the cause of supporting needy or distressed migrant workers can be made at this link. More on this topic Related Story Motorcyclist killed after accident with minibus on PIE; driver arrested Related Story 12 injured after collision between lorry and bus on PIE
SINGAPORE - With Covid-19 still circulating in Singapore, it will be too much of a risk to have migrant workers from dormitories mixing freely with the general population, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. "We are actively working to make sure that their welfare is looked after," Mr Lee said of the workers living in dorms. But, he added: "To have them living in a communal setting like this, and at the same time be able to mingle completely unrestrained with the rest of our population outside of the work setting, is risking going back to where we were." He was speaking in an interview with the BBC broadcast on Sunday (Mar 14) where he also said the Government was very grateful to the workers for their cooperation in coping with tight constraints during the pandemic. Almost a year after Covid-19 cases surged in foreign-worker dorms last April at the peak of Singapore's coronavirus outbreak, migrant workers living in dorms are still not allowed to leave their compounds freely. Asked about this, Mr Lee said about 50 per cent of migrant workers have tested positive in serological tests, indicating they had been infected with Covid-19 in the past. This means half of them are still vulnerable to infection. "We are working out arrangements so they are not cooped up in their rooms all the time," he said. "We are trying to keep them safe, at the same time as we are keeping our own population safe, and not just safe physically, but also safe psychologically, because when you are all cooped up, you are under a lot of mental pressure. We are mindful of that, and we are taking care of that too," he added. Where possible, restrictions have been relaxed at dorms to allow the workers to use communal facilities, such as the kitchen, gyms and basketball courts. A pilot scheme will also allow migrant workers from some dorms to return to the community once a month. The Ministry of Health also recently announced that the national Covid-19 vaccination programme will be sped up and extended to more high-risk groups and essential workers, including migrant workers. For a start, 10,000 migrant workers who have never been infected by Covid-19 and are living in the five largest dorms will get their jabs. More on this topic Related Story S'pore will use Covid-19 vaccines from any source, as long as they are safe and effective: PM Lee Related Story Not possible for S'pore, many countries, to choose between US and China, PM Lee tells BBC Asked how the outbreaks at the dorms happened last year, Mr Lee said migrant workers were always at risk because they are living at close quarters. He added that it was the same case on aircraft carriers and cruise ships, as well as nursing homes, which have seen similar outbreaks. "We took precautions and we hoped that they would be enough. They proved not adequate because of the infectiousness of the virus, and we had one or two cases which spread very rapidly, and it took off before we could tamp it down. That was how we got into the position, and it took us some time to bring it back under control, which we did," he said. Mr Lee also noted that the vast majority of migrant workers are young men, and had the disease in very mild form. "Fortunately, we were able to provide for them, keep them fed, looked after, in touch with their families with Wi-Fi paid by the employers, and be okay to be in a very tightly constrained mode for several months until the outbreak could be brought fully under control," he added. "They cooperated with us, and we are very grateful. We are now in a safe position." More on this topic Related Story Myanmar situation an 'enormous, tragic step back', use of lethal force unacceptable: PM Lee Related Story When to ease curbs on dorm workers? Experts differ Related Stories: Related Story EU defends Covid-19 vaccine distribution as nations complain it is uneven Related Story HK orders compulsory Covid-19 testing for 80 residential premises and workplaces after gym cluster grows Related Story Thailand's Koh Samui island plans to open to vaccinated tourists in October Related Story India to review side effects of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine after concerns in Europe Related Story 61-year-old S'porean man who returned from work in the UAE dies of Covid-19 complications Related Story Australia records first local Covid-19 case in 2 weeks Related Story WHO approves Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency listing Related Story WHO tries to quash nervousness about AstraZeneca vaccine Related Story Italy to impose Easter Covid-19 lockdown Related Story 'I've aged 30 years': Tough battle for patients with long-term Covid-19 symptoms
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday expressed his thanks to migrant workers in Singapore for their trust, patience and support despite having gone through a difficult period since Singapore detected its first Covid-19 cases among them almost a year back. It took a "tremendous effort" to reach the current stabilised situation, but migrant workers are healthy and safe from the virus, said PM Lee in a video message marking International Migrants Day. "We could not have done this without your cooperation and sacrifices," he said. PM Lee assured migrant workers that they will be cared for just as Singaporeans are cared for. "You are welcomed members of our society. If you fall ill, we will make sure you get medical care, stay in touch with your families, and can return to work as soon as possible," he said. PM Lee noted that the rules put in place to keep the Covid-19 spread in check are gradually being eased in migrant worker dormitories and the wider community. Besides being able to visit recreational centres, migrant workers can now also take part in communal activities like cooking and sports, he said. "With some luck, if the number of cases stays very low, we can ease up further. Please stay vigilant, and cooperate with the Government and with your employers to keep everyone safe. "On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you once again for all your contributions and support, and I wish you a very happy International Migrants Day!" To mark the occasion, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) under the National Trades Union Congress has organised a series of activities and events that started on Sunday and will last till Dec 27. MWC said in a statement that it aims to reach out to 20,000 workers through these celebrations to thank them for their contributions to Singapore. Migrant workers can participate in a digital roadshow co-hosted by MWC and telecommunications company Singtel on MWC's Facebook page, which features performances by Bangladeshi and Indian celebrities as well as games with prizes to be won. More on this topic Related Story Migrant workers can return to the community once a month in pilot Related Story 47 per cent of migrant workers in S'pore dorms have had a Covid-19 infection, say Manpower and Health Ministries MWC will also present its annual awards to 20 migrant worker "grassroots ambassadors" to recognise their efforts in going "above and beyond" to help fellow workers during the circuit breaker period. Physical roadshows, where Singtel will offer discounts and promotions, are also being held at the MWC Recreation Centre in Soon Lee Road until tomorrow for migrant workers with valid exit passes allowing them to leave their dorms. MWC said in its statement that it has spared no effort in helping migrant workers get through the pandemic. "In 2020 alone, MWC has reached out to more than 650,000 migrant workers - the largest number of migrant workers helped in a year," MWC said. It added that it has distributed more than five million essential items, such as masks, hand sanitiser and soap, to workers living in dorms and temporary quarters, and it has also provided almost a million meals to some 10,000 workers living in factory-converted dorms. MWC said it also supported the deployment of 130 telemedicine kiosks to more than 120 dorms and temporary quarters to provide migrant workers direct access to medical help and support. More on this topic Related Story Rethinking dorms: Next steps for foreign worker housing in Singapore Related Story Stepping up in a crisis: How migrant workers took on leadership roles during Covid-19