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Foreign workers satisfied working in Singapore: Survey

SINGAPORE – Foreign workers are satisfied with working in the Republic, said Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin at the International Migrants Day celebrations this evening (Dec 7) citing the results of a survey to sought to obtain a better understanding of the employment conditions and well-being of foreign workers in Singapore.

A migrant worker poses in front of an installation containing about 3,000 messages from Singaporeans thanking migrant workers for their contributions to our nation and migrant workers expressing their hopes and dreams for their future. The installation is the Migrant Workers' Centre's attempt to enter into the Singapore Book of Records for the "Largest Heart Formation made of Heart-shaped Notes", in celebration of International Migrants Day on Dec 7, 2014. Photo: Ooi Boon Keong

A migrant worker poses in front of an installation containing about 3,000 messages from Singaporeans thanking migrant workers for their contributions to our nation and migrant workers expressing their hopes and dreams for their future. The installation is the Migrant Workers' Centre's attempt to enter into the Singapore Book of Records for the "Largest Heart Formation made of Heart-shaped Notes", in celebration of International Migrants Day on Dec 7, 2014. Photo: Ooi Boon Keong

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SINGAPORE – Foreign workers are satisfied with working in the Republic, said Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin at the International Migrants Day celebrations this evening (Dec 7) citing the results of a survey to sought to obtain a better understanding of the employment conditions and well-being of foreign workers in Singapore.

The joint survey commissioned by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), found that about nine in 10 foreign workers – 87.7 per cent of WP holders and 90.7 per cent of S Pass holders – were satisfied working in Singapore. A similar proportion – 85.7 per cent of WP holders and 93.4 per cent of S Pass holders – would recommend Singapore as a place to work. Some of the common cited areas include good pay and good working and living conditions.

The survey, however, also showed room to enhance pre-employment experiences and awareness of employment laws.

About four in 10 or 37.4 per cent WP holders kept both their WPs and passports with them. Of the WP holders who had left these documents with their employers, 42.6 per cent had requested for the documents to be returned to them. Almost all of these requests had been granted.

At the sixth International Migrants Day Celebrations today, aimed at recognising and thanking migrant workers for their contributions to Singapore, Mr Tan said foreign workers make up about one-third of the Republic’s workforce and make important contributions across all jobs and capacities whether in construction sites and factories, for example.

“They have played a significant role in Singapore’s progress and development,” said Mr Tan. “Singaporeans appreciate what the foreign workers have contributed to our country, and I would like to extend a well - deserved ‘thank you’ to all of you gathered here”.

Mr Tan also extended his condolences to the families of workers who lost their lives in a shophouse at Geylang on early yesterday morning. He added that the ministry is in touch with the MWC which is extending help to the affected workers and the families of the deceased.

“The Home Team is investigating the tragic incident,” said Mr Tan.

Some 3,500 Worker Permit (WP) holder and 500 S Pass holders were involved in face-to-face interviews for the 2014 survey conducted by an independent survey company between March and July this year.

The survey, conducted for the second time since since 2011, covered foreign workers’ overall satisfaction with working in Singapore, their experiences at various stages of the employment process, their awareness of their own responsibilities and responsibilities of their employers as well as their awareness of channels for redress and assistance.

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