The rights and entitlements of migrant workers:

Expectations vs reality

Expectations

Reality

It’s difficult for a worker to protest changes to contract terms or non-compliance. Payments of salary in cash are allowed; the lack of a paper trail can disadvantage workers when making a claim.

Workers will be paid in full and on time, and work only during the agreed hours.

The Employment Act and Employment of

Foreign Manpower Act safeguard key

working conditions.

Some employers thwart access to medical help, while others threaten workers to conceal or lie about their injuries. Workers have been forced to return to work early.

Workers will be cared for and compensated when injured. The Work Injury Compensation Act includes clauses for coverage of medical expenses.

The statutory process can disadvantage workers. With limited resources and

language barriers, it can be challenging to navigate court proceedings and put up strong cases.

For disputes, workers can file a formal claim with the Tripartite Alliance Dispute Management. If mediation fails, they can pursue their case at the Employment Claims Tribunals or Labour Court.

The rights and entitlements of

migrant workers:

Expectations vs reality

1

Expectations

Workers will be paid in full and on time,

and work only during the agreed hours.

The Employment Act and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act safeguard key

working conditions.

Reality

It’s difficult for a worker to protest changes to contract terms or non-compliance. Payments of salary in cash are allowed; the lack of a paper trail can disadvantage workers when making a claim.

2

Expectations

Workers will be cared for and compensated when injured. The Work Injury Compensation Act includes clauses for coverage of medical expenses.

Reality

Some employers thwart access to medical help, while others threaten workers to conceal or lie about their injuries. Workers have been forced to return to work early.

3

Expectations

For disputes, workers can file a formal

claim with the Tripartite Alliance Dispute

Management. If mediation fails, they can pursue their case at the Employment

Claims Tribunals or Labour Court.

Reality

The statutory process can disadvantage workers. With limited resources and

language barriers, it can be challenging to navigate court proceedings and put up strong cases.