Foreign worker survey reveals a rosy picture of Singapore as a work destination

It's so good one wonders why Singaporeans don't take up the jobs on offer.

Jonathan Lim| December 08, 09:28 PM

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin shared the results of the 2014 Foreign Worker Survey at the International Migrants Day Celebrations yesterday. The survey was jointly commissioned by the Manpower Ministry and the Migrant Workers' Centre to better understand the employment conditions and well-being of foreign workers in Singapore.

The survey, which covered 3,500 work permit holders and 500 S Pass holders, revealed that 90% of the foreign workers surveyed said that they were satisfied with working in Singapore.

90% also said that they would recommend Singapore to their friends and family as a place to work. 70% said that they would continue to work in Singapore when their contracts expired.

More can be done for foreign workers in Singapore

Chairman of the Migrant Workers' Centre Yeo Guat Kwang, urged the authorities to take action against errant employers and landlords who do not maintain proper conditions at foreign worker dormitories. He also called for foreign workers to be educated and raise any concerns they have with their dormitories.

Notably, Singaporeans reacting to the survey findings feel less 'satisfied' with the results:

foreign worker comment 1

foreign worker comment 2

Others are more empathetic towards foreign workers and their plight:

foreign worker comment 3 foreign worker comment 5

And an anecdotal account that may be closer to the truth than most comments.

foreign worker comment 4

'Alibaba' in foreign worker parlance for the Singlish equivalent of 'close one eye' or 'doing things by left'.

Although it is widely accepted that International Migrants Day falls on 18 Dec, it is noteworthy that the celebrations for International Migrants Day was held on Dec. 7, 2014. 8 Dec marks one year since the Little India riot happened.

 

Top photo from here.

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