Foreign Worker Dormitory Operators' Restrictions on Their Residents' Movement

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has any restrictions on foreign worker dormitory operators' ability to impose rules on dormitory residents' freedom of movement; and (b) if not, whether it will consider curtailing dormitory operators' powers to protect dormitory residents' leisure options.

Dormitory operators for migrant workers are not allowed to impose rules that prevent their residents from leaving the dormitories for leisure, unless expressly instructed by the Commissioner to do so in specific limited circumstances, such as to protect the safety or health of residents.

MOM's Forward Assurance and Support Teams (FAST) regularly engage migrant workers to identify and resolve any issues of concern as well as to ensure dormitory operators comply with regulatory requirements. If any dormitory resident faces any issue with movement restrictions imposed by a dormitory operator, he can approach his employer, MOM, or report the case via the FWMOMCare mobile application. MOM will assist and follow up with the dormitory operator.