STATEMENT BY MR TONG WEIJIE, DELEGATE TO THE 71ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 21(b), ON INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE,18 OCTOBER 2016

Thank you, Madam Chair.

1        Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; and by the Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on this agenda item.

Madam Chair,

2        Globalisation involves the cross-border movement of goods, services, information and of course, people. As the pace of globalisation has accelerated, so too has the flow of migrant workers. 

3        Singapore welcomes the fact that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises the positive contribution made by migrant workers towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.

4        Singapore values the contribution made by migrant workers. We have put in place appropriate policies to make their stay a welcome experience. A 2014 survey jointly commissioned by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and an NGO – the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) – showed that about 90% of the migrant workers surveyed said that they were satisfied with working in Singapore. A similar proportion also said they would recommend Singapore to their friends and relatives as a choice destination for work. Good pay, good working and living conditions, and a sense of security were the main reasons cited. Singapore believes that legislative protection coupled with effective enforcement is key for safeguarding migrant workers’ well-being and rights. Allow me to elaborate.

5        First, legislation such as the Employment Act provides migrant workers with the same avenues of justice as locals. However, recognising the unique circumstances faced by migrant workers, we layer on specific safeguards by way of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and the Employment Agencies Act.  Through these, Singapore mandates that employers document salary and key employment terms in their workers’ native language, before they come to Singapore. Giving payslips is compulsory. Withholding of passports against workers’ wishes is illegal. We also limit the fees that Singapore employment agencies can charge workers. While we cannot control the loans and payments demanded by middlemen in workers’ home countries, we share complaints with the relevant Embassies in Singapore for investigation by their authorities back home. 

6        Legislative protection does not stop at the workplace. All types of migrant worker housing must already meet a comprehensive set of rules on safety and well-being. However, Singapore’s aim in the longer-term is to further improve workers’ living conditions through larger dormitories with full facilities, including for social and recreational needs. In this regard, new legislation – the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA) – was enacted in 2015 to ensure that dormitories for workers meet the requisite living standards. 

7        Second, enforcement is key. Singapore has taken a range of actions, including prosecution, against more than 2,000 errant employers last year who wilfully denied migrant workers their basic rights. To further enhance our effectiveness, we work in partnership with civil society organisations. Together, we reach out to migrant workers about their rights and where they can seek help.  We also have direct lines with case workers who refer complaints of abuse to the Ministry of Manpower from time to time. Every report is taken seriously and duly investigated.

Madam Chair,

8        Singapore believes that destination countries can and should help ease migrant workers into their new lives. At the same time, migrant workers must abide by the laws of the destination countries and play their part to be responsible members of the community. It is important to encourage the sharing of commonalities, values and experiences between locals and migrant workers. For instance, Singapore has implemented the “Knowing Singapore Programme” to provide migrant workers with an appreciation of Singapore’s history, culture and societal norms through meaningful engagement with the local community.

Madam Chair,

9        To conclude, Singapore believes that our workforce defines our success - both as an economy and an inclusive society. We cannot, and do not, claim to always have the best manpower solutions. But we can and do commit to continually enhancing our policies to improve the welfare and dignity of all workers in Singapore, whether local or migrant.

10      I thank you, Madam Chair.  

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