Debated in Parliament on 11 Nov 2013.
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether there will be an adequate supply of dormitories to accommodate the expected numbers of foreign workers in the years ahead.
*Note: The Member has given notice of his declaration of interest as a non-executive and independent director of Lian Beng Group Ltd. The activities of the Group include the investment in and construction of foreign worker dormitories.*
We are ramping up the supply of dormitories to meet the increased demand for foreign workers. New sites for purpose-built dormitories will continue to be released.
However, not all foreign workers are housed in dormitories. Employers have other options to house their foreign workers, such as in converted industrial properties and workers' quarters on construction sites. Many foreign
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workers are also renting rooms in HDB flats and private apartments.
The Government will continue to identify suitable dormitory sites, and facilitate the development of new purpose-built dormitories to meet both the immediate and longer-term demand for foreign worker housing. This will also help to reduce over-concentration of foreign workers living in our HDB estates.