Measures to Maintain Racial Harmony and Security in Migrant Workers Dormitories
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the measures to maintain harmony and security in migrant worker dormitories housing various nationalities and ethnicities, as raised by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that all new workers attend a Settling-in Programme to learn social norms, alongside cultural festivities organized to promote mutual appreciation. The Ministry of Manpower also utilizes the Friends of ACE Network of volunteers to monitor ground sentiments and ensure early intervention for any potential resident concerns. Dormitory operators must implement measures to minimize conflicts and respect cultural sensitivities, with a requirement to respond swiftly to any security incidents that arise. To deter disorder, the Minister warned that any migrant worker involved in violent civil disturbances will have their work pass revoked and face a permanent employment ban.
Transcript
45 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the measures taken to maintain harmony and security in dormitories which house migrant workers from different nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds; and (b) whether there are any proactive steps to promote multi-racial and ethnicity harmony among residents in these dormitories.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) pays close attention and emphasis to ensure harmonious relations amongst migrant workers living in dormitories through various measures.
First, all newly arrived work permit holders are required to attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP) to introduce them to Singapore laws and social norms, including the importance of living and working harmoniously with people of different races and religions. The SIP is conducted in the workers’ native languages to aid understanding.
MOM also works closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), dormitory operators, employers, and community partners to organise regular social activities for our migrant workers at the dormitories and the Recreation Centres. This includes festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali and the International Migrants’ Day where migrant workers regardless of nationalities and ethnicities can participate in these cultural and religious celebrations. These activities serve as an opportunity for migrant workers of different nationalities to be more aware and appreciate different cultures.
To deepen engagement and strengthen social support for our migrant workers, MOM had established the Friends of ACE (FACE) Network, which comprise of migrant worker volunteers who serve as a bridge between their peers and MOM. These FACE volunteers who are residents in the dormitories can identify and surface ground sentiments and concerns for early intervention.
To maintain a safe and harmonious living environment, dormitory operators are mindful and alert to the religious and cultural sensitivities of the various ethnic groups. They are required to put in place measures to minimise potential conflicts amongst residents and respond swiftly to manage any incident affecting the safety, security or well-being of residents. MOM takes a serious view on civil disturbances in the dormitories by any migrant worker using violence and will revoke the work pass and permanently bar them from employment in Singapore.