9 April 2020

Migrant workers in Singapore are living in fear following a surge of coronavirus infections in their dormitories where they say cramped and filthy conditions make social distancing impossible.

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...[H]ygiene standards were poor and workers were forced to use a communal cooking area and bathroom.

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The huge dormitories mostly house construction workers who typically earn about US$400 to $500 a month building the city-state's glittering skyscrapers and shopping malls.

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After reports emerged of unsanitary conditions at one of the quarantined dorms, the manpower ministry said it was working to improve the situation.

Caterers are providing meals to workers in lockdown and cleaning services have been increased.

A task force involving government officials, police and the armed forces has also been set up to provide support to foreign workers and dormitory operators.

The manpower ministry said it will "continue to keep a close eye on the dormitory conditions and will intervene proactively to ensure standards."

But Amnesty International warned quarantining workers in close proximity could be a "recipe for disaster."

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...Transient Workers Count Too, called on the government to temporarily house some workers in other locations such as army barracks.

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The infections at the dorms and the poor conditions have sparked soul-searching in Singapore about the treatment of foreign laborers, who have played a key role in the city-state's dramatic transformation from a gritty port into an ultra-modern financial hub.

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