Investigation underway into migrant workers’ protest over alleged unpaid wages: K Shanmugam

On Monday (11 Nov), Ms Hazel Poa, Progress Singapore Party Non-constituency Member of Parliament, asked the Minister for Home Affairs in Parliament for an update on police investigations into an incident involving several migrant workers holding placards at a construction site on 24 October 2024.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam responded in a written reply, stating, “The Police are investigating the individuals involved in the incident for offences of organising and taking part in unlawful public assemblies, which is prohibited under the Public Order Act 2009. This includes the employers of the migrant workers, who had allegedly organised the public assemblies.”

The incident drew significant attention after photos circulated online showing migrant workers at a Geylang construction site holding placards that reportedly included phrases such as “outstanding amount” and references to specific amounts of money.

The image, first shared by a passerby on Reddit, prompted public speculation about unpaid wages.

The site of the protest matches the location of Dakota One, a Build-To-Order project under development on Jalan Satu.

On 25 October, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) released a statement addressing the social media post and confirming that it had reached out to the migrant workers involved.

According to MOM, “the migrant workers involved were not owed salary payments and had no well-being concerns.”

MOM also confirmed that it is investigating the employer, who may have illegally deployed the workers and encouraged them to engage in unauthorised public demonstrations.

MOM stated that it would “take appropriate actions if necessary.”

Police have confirmed that a report has been filed and investigations are ongoing. The incident has highlighted issues surrounding migrant workers’ rights in Singapore.

Though MOM found no evidence of salary disputes in this case, prior incidents indicate that workers are encouraged to reach out directly to MOM or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) in cases of unpaid wages.

Workers at the industrial building NCS Hub in Ang Mo Kio held signs on 18 October 2022 to demand payment of owed salaries from Shanghai Chong Kee.

In October 2022, a similar protest saw migrant workers address delayed salary payments. MOM and TADM facilitated full payment settlements from the employer involved in that case.

Migrant workers facing payment or employment-related concerns are advised to contact MOM’s hotline at 64385122 for support.