A huge majority of foreign workers continue to rate working in Singapore favourably, according to a 2018 foreign worker experience survey commissioned by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Some 86.3 per cent of work pass holders and 87.5 per cent of S pass holders were satisfied with working in Singapore. A similar proportion said they would recommend Singapore as a place for work to friends and relatives.
Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamed announced the survey findings at the NTUC May Day Migrant Workers Celebration on 9 June 2019.
Respondents came from a sample size of 3,045, of which 2,523 were work pass holders while 522 were S Pass holders.
Respondents cited pay, living conditions and safety as the main reasons for their satisfaction.
“We are encouraged that most foreign workers continue to be satisfied with working in Singapore and find Singapore an attractive work destination. We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders, including employers and non-governmental organisations, to ensure that foreign workers and interests are safeguarded,” said Mr Zaqy.
Most of the respondents said they obtained information on their employment rights from MOM – 63.4 per cent for work pass holders and 79.1 per cent for S Pass holders.
Commenting on the findings, Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said: “As the survey findings show that more can be done to ensure that migrant workers are better informed of their employment rights, MWC will work with MOM and use the Foreign Worker Settling-In Programme to proactively educate them in this aspect.”
The survey results were similar to the last foreign worker experience survey conducted in 2014. This is the third time the survey had been conducted, with the first being done in 2011.
Doing its part to promote the welfare and well-being of migrant workers, MWC also announced that it will be operating its first recreation club.
The MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee (MWCRC) located at 51 Soon Lee Road will be a club for the migrant-worker community.
According to MWC, MWCRC is a new milestone in its 10 years of operations.
Migrant workers will have access to services such as a supermarket, banking and telecommunications, and sports amenities at the club.
MWC expects to see 15,000 migrant workers visiting each week. There are currently 20,000 migrant workers housed at the vicinity’s dorms. The number is expected to go up to 30,000 by 2020.
As an addition to existing touchpoints, the MWCRC will strengthen MWC’s outreach efforts to migrant workers.
MWC said it hopes to increase awareness among migrant workers of the assistance and services it provides.
Mr Yeo shared: “The operating of the MWCRC is indeed a significant milestone for us as we mark 10 years of serving the migrant worker community in Singapore. More than just a recreation centre, it reflects MWC’s commitment to promoting the welfare and well-being of our migrant workers during their stay here.
“We hope that the recreation centre will provide a community space where they can not only enjoy themselves outside of work and have convenient access to goods and services, but also serve as an important touchpoint for the MWC to continue to reach out to them and better serve their needs.”
Since 2009, MWC has engaged over 800,000 migrant workers through various activities. It has also assisted 26,000 migrant workers with needs such as meals, lodging, advice on workplace-related issues and representation in workplace disputes.
