ACCOMMODATION FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

ACCOMMODATION FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

**

(Guidelines): **

7.

Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Manpower whether there are guidelines for (i) the accommodation of foreign workers in industries such as the construction industry; and (ii) the use of properties in residential areas for such accommodation.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: A condition imposed in all work permits requires all employers to house their foreign workers in acceptable accommodation. Such accommodation must meet various statutory requirements including proper land use conditions imposed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing Development Board (HDB), Jurong Town Corporation or Singapore Land Authority; building structure safety standards by the Building and Construction Authority; fire safety standards by the Singapore Civil Defence Force; environmental health requirements by the National Environment Agency; and drainage sanitary/sewerage system requirements by the Public Utilities Board. Such statutory requirements also apply directly to owners of properties that are let out for occupation by foreign workers.

The existing types of foreign worker housing include purpose-built dormitories and approved factory-converted dormitories. Foreign construction workers can, in addition, stay in workers quarters within construction sites and other approved plots of land. Other than non-traditional source workers in the construction industry, foreign workers can also stay in HDB flats or private residential units subject to prevailing guidelines. These guidelines include limits on the number of occupiers per unit, to prevent overcrowding and preserve the residential character of the premises and surroundings.

As announced during the Ministry's Committee of Supply Debate, MOM intends to require employers to show that they are able to house their foreign workers in acceptable accommodations, before approving their applications for the foreign workers' work permits.

Column: 855