Factory-converted dormitory (FCD) operators must meet four new conditions, on top of existing ones, when seeking approvals or renewals to use their industrial premises to house foreign workers, announced the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) at an FCD Seminar on 24 August 2016.
From 1 January 2017, FCD operators must put in place a feedback channel for housed workers to report back issues related to housing conditions. There should also be a personal locker for each worker, at least one sickbay in the FCD or a contingency plan to deal with infectious diseases, and Wi-Fi within the dormitory.
Operators must also submit documentary proof to MOM showing that they have met all the conditions.
RAISING STANDARDS
The announcement came after MOM’s consultation with industry stakeholders and the Migrant Workers’ Centre’s (MWC) call in July this year for authorities to strengthen enforcement and housing rules, and raise foreign workers’ housing standards.
Over the past year, MOM had taken action against 160 FCD operators for lapses in housing conditions and conducted a total of 900 FCD inspections.
Currently, there are about 1,000 FCD operators in Singapore, providing housing to some 80,000 foreign workers.
Addressing 550 FCD operators at the seminar, Minister of State for Manpower Teo Ser Luck said: “Foreign workers take on crucial jobs in sectors that are short of local supply, to support our nation building. They help us clean our streets, maintain our neighbourhoods, and build homes for us.
“It is therefore only right that we as a host country, ensure that they are well taken care of while they work here. One important well-being aspect is provision of good accommodation for foreign workers, where they can return to for a good rest after a hard day’s work.”
MWC Executive Director Bernard Menon said that the centre is encouraged and heartened by the announcement of the new conditions.
“The announcement is true to the spirit of constantly questioning ourselves, and reviewing and evolving the conditions that we provide foreign workers… Today, we see MOM responding to the work we have been doing over the past year,” said Mr Menon.
