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MOM urges operators to raise foreign workers' housing standards

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is calling on operators of Factory Converted Dormitories (FCDs) to raise housing standards, and improve the housing conditions of foreign workers.

Over the past year, MOM has educated FCD operators on basic housing requirements, provided them a self-audit checklist, and dispatched regular bulletins around good and bad practices within the industry.

In addition, it has been inspecting FCDs, and taking appropriate enforcement action as required. An estimated 80,000 foreign workers living in FCDs currently in Singapore.

The matter was raised when on 1 August 2016, Minister of State (MOS) for Manpower, Teo Ser Luck, who oversees foreign manpower management matters, joined MOM’s Housing Inspectorate on a visit to a FCD operated by ASL Shipyard, to understand the day-to-day challenges of managing a FCD.

Reflecting on his visit, MOS Teo said: "FCD operators have a duty to provide decent accommodation for workers.  The workers deserve a proper place to stay after a hard day’s work.

"The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) had recently suggested to MOM that more can be done to encourage FCD operators to raise housing standards.  We are looking into MWC’s suggestions."

MOS Teo will be meeting FCD operators in a seminar on 24 August 2016 to discuss dormitory management issues.

Image: 123RF

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