When a 3-meter (10-foot) sinkhole opened on a busy Singapore road, it not only caused a moment of danger for a driver but also revived a much-needed dialogue about the rights of migrant workers in the city-state. On Saturday, a group of seven Indian laborers from a nearby construction site acted swiftly, using a rope to rescue a woman after her car fell into the gaping hole. Foreman Suppiah Pitchai Udaiyappan recounted his fear but emphasized the urgency of saving the woman. Their swift actions were widely shared on social media, where many hailed them as heroes.
The term "migrant worker" in Singapore refers to over 1.17 million laborers who migrate from lower-income countries like India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, often taking up low wages in sectors such as construction, marine, and manufacturing. Unfortunately, despite being essential contributors to Singapore's economy, many migrant workers receive as little as S$300 ($233) per month and live in overcrowded dormitories. They frequently face abusive conditions from recruitment agencies and employers, including overwork and inadequate living situations.
This is not an isolated issue; it follows the exposure of their living conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic when dormitories turned into virus hotspots. The sinkhole incident has intensified discussions about the systemic inequalities faced by migrant laborers. Advocates are calling attention to practices like transporting workers in flat-bed trucks. Dangerous accidents have occurred due to this transportation method, with calls for a ban echoing through many advocacy circles.
Critics argue that the Singapore government's reluctance to ban the use of trucks is based on economic considerations rather than human rights. Many view this hesitancy as maintaining an exploitative system that favors the status quo. Further, migrant workers in Singapore do not have the option to attain permanent residency and face restrictions on personal decisions such as marriage.
Recognition of their contributions has become a focal point, with authorities recently awarding the seven rescuers with commemorative coins—a gesture some see as tokenism rather than genuine support. Activists are now pushing for monetary rewards and permanent residency pathways for these heroic individuals. A community fundraiser has already raised funds to support the workers involved in the rescue.
Despite a growing awareness of issues related to migrant workers, many community members still view them as a separate and inferior class. Housing and living conditions remain sensitive topics, as evidenced by the resident petition against a migrant dormitory's construction in a wealthy neighborhood. Activists emphasize the need for societal change to recognize these workers not merely as laborers but as valued community members deserving of respect and rights.
