Singapore’s Migrant Worker Problem: Action Must be Taken
Beyond the glitz and glam of the metropolis of Singapore lies a sad truth unknown to most: its migrant workers live in squalid conditions and are mistreated at almost every turn despite their earnest contributions to Singaporean society.
Incredibly, on average, migrant workers will share rooms with seven other people – and that too in dormitories not even the size of an average bedroom. This terrible situation is not only inhumane but it is also not in the interest of public health: during its struggle with COVID-19, Singapore saw an extraordinary number of COVID-19 cases, the majority of which were contracted in tightly-packed migrant-worker dormitories. Though efforts were eventually made to remove workers from these cesspools and move them to quarantine facilities, such efforts only came after tireless lobbying from NGOs and citizens in response to the initial reluctance of the government.
Infectious living conditions weren’t the only problems migrant workers faced during the pandemic. During the tough lockdown period, there were many instances where workers were refused their wage due to the increased financial burden placed on their managers, resulting in a limited ability for migrant workers to send funds back home. Understandably, many workers were left pondering their future, depressed and in some cases, even suicidal.
These people don’t deserve this. They are valuable contributors to Singaporean culture; without them, our society would grind to a halt. Action needs to be taken so our domestic workers are not left languishing in horrible circumstances. I personally have taken action to remedy the situation, and I encourage everyone to do the same. No matter your age, income, or social standing, you can make a difference. You can help alleviate their struggle. Here’s how I did it – I implore you to find your own unique way of bringing about change.
My movement, Yellowship, aims to channel my personal passion for tennis into a worthwhile cause that can help reduce the struggle of migrant workers. Our foremost goal is to bring some brightness into the lives of migrant workers, and help make Singapore a beautiful city for all of its inhabitants. We simply do this by donating tennis balls to migrant workers.
There are a number of reasons why such an action would be beneficial in helping solve Singapore’s biggest crisis. After working tirelessly for unrealistic amounts of time, migrant workers often have aches and pains as a result of their toil. Tennis balls have been used as a helpful physio treatment, and are known to be effective in offsetting injuries migrant workers sustain on a day-to-day basis.
Moreover, while attempting to adapt to their new culture, migrant workers lose touch with the traditions of their old country. The largest number of migrant workers emerge from the Indian subcontinent and in recent times, it seems a large diaspora community has formed here. Donating tennis balls allows migrant workers to engage in and keep in touch with the sport of cricket, which is particularly popular in the region.
All in all, Singapore, a bustling financial hub, needs to learn to provide for its migrant workers to a greater extent. In both their living conditions and lack of wage, migrant workers in the country continue to unjustly struggle. While some citizens remain static and unresponsive, it is my opinion that now is the time to take action. And if I can do it, so can you.
Vihaan’s Initiative, Yellowship, can be found at this link on Instagram.
References:
(1) https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/24/asia/singapore-coronavirus-foreign-workers-intl-hnk/index.html