Manika 
(C): Unsplash
More and more Indian workers are sending a strong signal to look for a job in Singapore, with a warning: the Unpaid Wages Singapore case has risen. The number of migrant workers is around 400, who reported that two Singapore-registered companies withheld their wages — and counting as more workers come forward. The case has been under investigation, but it is a stark reminder of the dangers that await any Indian who is thinking about signing a work visa in Singapore.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Workers affected | ~400, mostly Indian and Bangladeshi |
| Companies involved | Two Singapore-registered firms |
| Authority investigating | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
| NGOs involved | Migrant Workers’ Centre, Transient Workers Count Too |
| Worker protection | If there is a dispute, then a Special Pass can be used to stay legal. |
| Recovery body | Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) |
What Happened?
The Unpaid Wages Singapore case started when the first 100 of the affected workers started to approach MOM with their grievances. Within days, that number doubled, as additional workers emerged, voicing complaints of unpaid wages and unanswered housing problems.
NGOs that were supporting migrant workers’ welfare reacted swiftly, attending to hundreds of the affected workers, even feeding the workers after the food catering companies refused to serve them, claiming that they were not paid.
Worse, the two firms share a common director, and there are a few other companies in the building services industry connected to him. Such a structure, where multiple companies are under a single person, is a recurring theme in labour rights cases in Singapore, and is highlighted as such.
Why This Matters for Indian Workers Specifically
There are a considerable number of Indian nationals working in Singapore due to the relatively high wages and a well-designed work permit system. However, this episode of Unpaid Wages Singapore serves as a reminder that even with formal and legal employment agreements, things can go wrong — and that the issues can only be found out after the workers have paid recruitment fees and moved.
The typical scenario is that employers delay in paying the workers, pay them small sums to keep them in the faith that the workers will “wait,” and use the threat of repatriation to prevent the workers from filing complaints. Those that have already sunk significant time and money into the recruitment process are particularly hesitant to complain — even if they are legally entitled to.
Your Rights If You Face Unpaid Wages in Singapore
| Issue | What You Can Do |
| Employer failing to pay wages. | Complain to MOM or make a claim to TADM |
| Have to move to a new job part-way through the dispute | A Special Pass is a legal entry into Singapore for a temporary period of time in order for you to stay while you are in the process of being resolved. |
| Worried about the risk of being returned (repatriated) to their home countries | Contact NGOs such as Transient Workers Count Too for assistance. |
| This is the cost to recruit a new job. | Please note: the average prices are high, sometimes up to two months’ worth of salary. |
| Don’t know about the claims process | Documentation and language barriers can be assisted by NGOs and TADM. |
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How to Protect Yourself Before Taking an Overseas Job
A few habits are enough in Singapore and any other place:
- Check the employers independently: check the history of business registrations, see if more than one company is registered under the same director, and see if there are any complaints in the past.
- Everything is in writing – your employment agreement should outline your salary, pay schedule, and position.
- Avoid excessive recruitment agency fees — watch out for the ones that ask for an excessive upfront fee.
- Read the details about your friends and relatives: Migrant Workers’ Centre and other NGOs are there to help when you have nothing.
- Report early — authorities and NGOs also say to notify problems with payments as soon as they occur, not later.
FAQs
What should I do if my employer doesn’t pay my salary in Singapore?
Submit a complaint to the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore or file a salary claim directly with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). There are also NGOs that can assist with the process as they support migrant workers.
When an unpaid wages complaint is pending, can I switch jobs?
Yes. The workers are normally issued a Special Pass so that they can be allowed to remain in Singapore and get jobs legally while their application process is under consideration.
What are the methods to verify an offer of employment from Singapore in India?
Check out the registration of the company of the employer, the same director association with other companies, and gather information from the official Singaporean website of MOM or recruitment agencies before paying anything.
Is changing jobs in Singapore within the normal scope of recruitment agency charges?
There are certain fees that are common and also can be considerable, sometimes equal to two months’ salary of a contract. Make sure that fee arrangements are clearly explained and that you’re not being charged any excessive fees by the agency.
Is there any support available for migrants who have wage disputes?
Community groups such as Migrant Workers’ Centre and Transient Workers Count Too actively assist workers affected by the abuse with guidance, food and assistance navigating through formal complaint procedures.
