Debated in Parliament on 8 Mar 2022.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower for each year in the past 10 years (a) what are the respective numbers of work permit holders who have attempted and committed suicide who were living in dormitories; and (b) what percentage of them were not living in dormitories.
MOM responded to a similar Parliamentary Question1 based on a five-year trend. Between 2016 and 2020, the suicide rates for Work Permit Holders (WPHs2) were lower than the general population. Looking at a 10-year period between 2012 and 2021, the average suicide rate among WPHs at 4.2 per 100,000 persons was lower than that of the general population at 8.7 per 100,000 persons. The suicide rates among WPHs have also been lower than that of the general population for each of the 10 years3.
The suicides rates among Migrant Workers (WPHs excluding migrant domestic workers) were somewhat higher in 2020 and 2021 but were still lower than that of the general population (please refer to footnote 3). The rate for the general population had also increased in 2020.
We share the concerns expressed by many on the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last two years have been a difficult time for our migrant workers and also for the general population. Since November 2020, the seven-point strategy under the Project DAWN task force has been focused on raising awareness on mental health literacy, ensuring at-risk persons are identified early and enabling appropriate access to care services, including counselling and post-intervention support. One key area is in the training of peer support leaders among migrant workers in psychological first aid skills so that they can give timely support to their co-workers and friends. MOM will continue to place close attention on the mental health of all workers and offer our support.
PAPERCUTS