What is this blog about?

After a trip to Bangladesh in December 2007, in which we visited various NGOs working on migration issues, we thought it would be good to set up a resource site for emigrants who are coming, or thinking of coming to Singapore for employment. We also noticed that many migrant workers enter Singapore not knowing its labour laws and other relevant legislation.

This blog was designed for NGOs in sending countries, and it contains information which we feel are essential for migrant workers to know, based on our own experiences working with them. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list as we are aiming to address the most frequently asked questions.

We hope this information is useful for your pre-departure orientation programmes. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us at vip@home.org.sg or centre@twc2.org.sg

Employment-Related Matters (excludes domestic workers)

PAYMENT OF SALARY

1) Does Singapore have a minimum wage?
No. The government does not set a minimum wage. Wages are left to employers, unions and employees for negotiations.

2) How often should salary be paid?
You should be paid at least once a month. Most migrant workers, especially those in construction and shipyard sectors are paid twice a month. All salary, other than payment for over time work must be paid within seven days after the end of the salary period. Over time work must be paid within 14 days after the end of the salary period. If you choose to, you may request your employer to open a bank account so that he or she may pay all of your salary through this account. This is the preferred option so that in the event of any salary dispute, it is easier to prove to the authorities that you have not been paid.

3) Can an employer make deductions to a worker’s salary?
Yes. They are only allowed to deduct a worker’s salary for the following purposes:

a) For damage to or loss of goods entrusted to an employee or for loss of money which an employee is accountable for. These deductions can only be made on a once off basis and cannot exceed 25% of an employee’s salary. No deductions shall be made unless the employee is given the opportunity to explain the cause of the damage or loss.

b) For cost of meals supplied by the employer at the request of the employee

c) For house accommodation and water, and electricity bills

d) For the recovery of loans made out by the employer to the employee.

e) For income tax payment

Work Injuries (excludes domestic workers)

Qn: What are my legal rights should I get injured in the work place?
Ans: Under the Work Injury Compensation Act, your employer is legally obliged to purchase an accident insurance for you. This is to provide basic benefits to workers should they be injured at the work place. It is a punishable offence if work accident insurance is not purchased for you.

When an accident takes place (such as falling from a height, or if you are hit by a heavy object) your employer has to report the accident to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Failure to do so is an offence, You will be entitled to claim compensation if your injury is work related and it results in some form of disability (e.g you cannot bend your fingers completely)

In addition, your employer is responsible for the following:

a) All outpatient medical expenses (including medical consultation fees and medicines
b) Up to S$5000 hospitalisation costs (e.g operation, surgery etc)
c) Medical leave wages for the period in which you were incapacitated (i.e.unable to work)

*** Your employer has to settle ALL outstanding claims with you before sending you back to your country. If he or she does not do so, it is your right to remain in Singapore and lodge your claim to the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Welfare Matters

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Your employer is responsible for the payment of your medical bills. He or she has to buy medical insurance with coverage of at least S$5000 per year for each year you work in Singapore. The medical insurance covers your bills for hospitalization and surgery. It does not include outpatient treatment (e.g for minor illnesses such as flu, cough etc)

However, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, your employer is responsible for the payment of ALL of your medical bills. For medical expenses not covered by the medical insurance mentioned above, your employer is still legally obliged to pay for your medical expenses. Your employer also has to buy an accident insurance in the event that you are involved in an accident. The insurance will cover your medical expenses and will compensate you for any disabilities suffered. It is your right to claim for this before you return home to Bangladesh.

ACCOMMODATION

Who is responsible for my accommodation in Singapore?
Your employer is responsible for finding a proper place for you to sleep. If you are living in conditions that are unhygienic, crammed or unsafe, you can make a report to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)