Prevalence of Migrant Workers Sleeping on Roads and Efforts in Providing Sufficient Recreation Areas

61 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the prevalence of cases of migrant workers sleeping on the roads; and (b) how is the Ministry ensuring that migrant workers are provided with sufficient recreation areas to reduce such instances.

Dr Tan See Leng: There are, on average, around one report per month of migrant workers found resting along the roads.

Large dormitories have designated areas within their compounds for resident workers to consume food and alcohol. Nine recreation centres were also built to provide additional venues for dormitory residents to socialise. These recreation centres are located near large migrant worker dormitories. Free shuttle services are provided to and from the dormitories. Together with non-government organisations and commercial partners, the Ministry of Manpower has plans to improve the variety and quality of the offerings at the recreation centres to make them more attractive for our migrant workforce.