Singapore Economy Dependent on Migrant Workers, Improving Working and Living Conditions

The Singapore government has recognized the contribution made by migrant workers to the country’s economy and is working towards improving their working and living conditions. This comes amid reports of migrant workers still being marginalized. 

Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, said improving migrant workers’ living and working conditions will ensure those who join Singapore’s society on a permanent basis are the ones with the best chance to integrate and embrace the Singapore way of life.

He highlighted migrant workers as a very vital part of Singapore’s economy, and the sacrifices they made during the COVID period. Migrant workers have contributed to building Singapore, from residences to working in ports, among others. “So we do owe it to our migrant workers, particularly the work permit holders, to make sure that they can work safely here, to make sure that they have a good environment in Singapore. And we are continuing to improve our standards.” 

Wong pointed out that the Singaporean government had recently updated dormitory standards to ensure a better living environment. It would continue to look at different ways to take care of those migrant workers, including considerations for mental well-being, and recreation spaces etc. The minister also acknowledged challenges. “If all of them suddenly overnight become permanent residents and or bring their dependents, we will not be able to integrate all of them into our society. So, one has to understand the balance. We have migrant workers in our midst, we welcome them.” 

Moreover, Singapore’s declining birth rate and aging population require a sustained and well calibrated influx of migrant workers. Wong said if they are not able to bring in immigrants to top up the population, then Singapore is in structural decline. Eventually, the population will decline, the workforce will decline and Singapore will decline. 

However, Singapore is also controlling the number of immigrants who will be allowed to work. The minister explained that at the end of the day, the numbers are constrained by how much they are able to integrate the new arrivals and how the migrants embrace the country’s values and way of life.