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Supporting Migrant Workers

Presented by: [ADD YOUR NAME HERE]

Slides Created By: Helping All Voices be Noticed (HAVN)

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Outline

Understanding the importance of mental health

Test your knowledge

What are the challenges migrant workers are facing?

How can you help?

Appendix (Resources)

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What is a migrant worker?

The term "migrant worker" refers to a person who migrates within or outside their home country to pursue work.
Migrant workers usually do not have an intention to stay permanently in the country or region in which they work.

Migrant workers who work outside their home country are also called foreign workers.

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What is mental health?

“A state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.”
(World Health Organization)

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Why is mental health important?

Concentration & Productivity:

Anxiety or depression can reduce focus and energy, leading to mistakes, slower work, and burnout.

Self-Care:

When struggling mentally, people may neglect sleep, meals, or hygiene, which worsens overall health.

Social Relationships:

Emotional distress may cause withdrawal or irritability, making it harder to connect with others.

Financial Management:

Low motivation and unclear thinking can lead to missed payments, impulsive spending, or poor budgeting.

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What this means for migrant workers

Mental Health:

Does it affect safety at work?

Can someone under stress make sound decisions when working at at a height or with dangerous machinery?

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Test your Knowledge Quiz

What is the average salary of on-site foreign workers (construction, shipyard, process (age 15-60))

What % of Singapore workforce is foreign workers?

~ 40% of the country’s labour force (1.5M )

What is the average salary of working Singapore resident (age 15-60)

SGD 4000

What is the average salary of foreign worker (age 15-60)

SGD 800

SGD 2540

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Challenges faced by migrant workers

Poor working conditions

Poor living conditions

Poor regulatory and legal protection

Discrimination and poor public opinion of residents

Lack of freedom and isolation impacting mental wellbeing

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Challenges: Working conditions

Many migrant workers travel in the back of open lorries, exposed to danger and harsh weather.

Combined with long hours and crowded dorms, these conditions impact their safety and mental health.

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�Challenges : Living conditions��

Overcrowding: Some dorm units housed up to 30 workers, well above the URA limit of 8.

No Proper Bedding: Many slept on floors or in corridors with little personal space.

Bug Infestations: Cockroaches and bed bugs were found throughout the dorms.

Filthy Toilets & Showers: Up to 13 people shared one toilet, often “unacceptably filthy.”

Expired Food: Meals were prepared over 12 hours in advance and served cold.

Photo credit: Mothership.SG (2017)

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Domestic helpers – Living conditions

Living & Working Space: Often share small rooms with minimal privacy; work and rest areas are not separate.
Hours of Rest: Limited time off and irregular schedules can lead to exhaustion.
Freedom: Movement is restricted, with little opportunity for social interaction or personal activities.

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Legal

Unregulated Practices: Singapore does not have a minimum wage for migrant domestic workers.�
Inadequate Legislative Protection: They are excluded from Singapore’s main labour law, leaving working hours unregulated.�
Behind Closed Doors: Enforcement of labour rights at home is difficult, making abuse harder to address.

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�Challenges: Discrimination and Poor Public Opinion �

Singapore – International Labour Org survey:

migration and crime –

52% people think crime rate goes up with migrants

social and cultural threats

53% feel they disrupt local culture

equal treatment with nationals

36% feel they should not be given equal rights

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Mental wellbeing

Language and cultural barriers

Barriers to equal access to healthcare

Lack of freedom, space and resources

Lack of inclusion and integration with residents

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How can you help?

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How can “You” help?

Join my Workshops – Attend and do your own workshop to learn more about the cause and what you can do yourself in the future!

Donate to HAVN – Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal. (HAVN is a non-profit)

Spread the Word – Share this campaign with friends and family to help us reach a wider audience.

Volunteer – If you're between 8 and 24 years old, join HAVN in volunteering to support and uplift migrant workers; your time and skills can make a real difference.

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