Dormitory operator faces 50 charges for housing Foreign Workers in poor living conditions

1. On 28 September 2017, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) charged a dormitory operator, Yeo’s Brother Management Pte. Ltd. (“the accused company”), in the State Courts for allowing foreign workers (FWs) to be housed in poor living conditions.
2. The accused company faces a total of 50 charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). If convicted, it can be fined up to $10,000 for each charge.
   
   Case Details
3. The accused company was the operator of Ama Keng Hostel, a purpose-built dormitory located at 25 Ama Keng Road. Investigations revealed that there were 50 foreign workers living in quarters that had unsanitary toilet conditions, with signs of cockroach infestation and breeding of mosquitoes and flies. There were also fire hazards in the workers’ quarters. Such unsafe and unhygienic living conditions severely undermined the safety and well-being of the foreign workers. 
4. Following the inspection, MOM immediately ordered the dormitory operator to relocate the affected foreign workers to other approved accommodation.
   
   The case has been adjourned to 19 October 2017 for a Further Mention in Court 23 at 9.30 am.
   
   Dormitory No Longer in Operation
5. In view of the poor living conditions of the dormitory, the accused company was denied a licence under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA). The dormitory has since ceased operations.
   
   Strong Enforcement Actions to Protect Well-being of Foreign Workers
6. MOM will not hesitate to take strong enforcement actions against dormitory operators, who provide poor accommodation to their resident workers. Similarly, employers who contravene any of the conditions of the work pass will also be guilty of an offence under the EFMA. On top of the penalties imposed by the Courts, MOM will also debar employers from hiring foreign workers.
   
   Report Poor Foreign Worker Housing Conditions
7. Foreign workers who have issues with their housing conditions should bring the matter to the attention of their employer. If their employers fail to make improvements to the living conditions, foreign workers should immediately seek advice and assistance from the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 or report the matter to MOM at 6438 5122.
8. Members of the public can also play a part by informing the authorities of persons or employers who contravene the EFMA, or refer FWs in distress to MOM at 6438 5122 or e-mail mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg. All information will be kept strictly confidential.