Minister Shanmugam affirms foreign workers of future. And SGs Have No Future in SG?

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Published: 12 Dec 2013 12:13AM (Singapore)Share this


Minister Shanmugam affirms foreign workers of future On 11 December 2013, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam met some 40 foreign workers at Kranji Lodge 1. Minister Shanmugam addressed their concerns following the 08 December 2013 riot at Little India and assured that as long as they continue to abide by the law, they would not have to worry about their future in Singapore.By Charissa Tan

Prior to the dialogue session, foreign worker Mr S Saravanan was worried about his work prospects in Singapore following the 08 December 2013 riot in Little India.

During the dialogue, Minister Shanmugam noted the worries of the foreign workers with regards to their contract renewal due to possible negative perceptions in the wake of the Little India riot on 08 December 2013. He assured them that as long as they are here to make an honest living and are law abiding, they had nothing to fear. PHOTO: Mabel Yap

Along with many of his peers, he was concerned that his contract would not be renewed due to general misconceptions after some of his fellow countrymen had participated in the riot.

During the 30-minute dialogue with some 40 foreign workers of Indian nationality at Kranji Lodge 1 on 11 December 2013, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam listened as the workers voiced their concerns over their future of working in Singapore.





Many also expressed regret over the actions committed by their fellow countrymen, and their worries of being implicated even though they were not involved in the incident on 08 December 2013.

Minister Shanmugam assured the workers that since they are here to make an honest living and are law abiding, they have nothing to fear.

With regards to the small minority who were involved in the riot, firm actions will be taken against them should they be found guilty as there is zero tolerance for such misbehavior, said Minister Shanmugam.

He also urged the foreign workers to voice out any other concerns with regards to their wages and living conditions.



One worker responded, saying he was happy working in Singapore as unlike other countries in the region, Singapore offers him opportunities to upgrade his work skills here.

His view was echoed by many others.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam (left in white) chats with foreign workers at Kranji Lodge 1 after the dialogue with some 40 workers on 11 December 2013. PHOTO: Mabel Yap





Following their positive responses, Minister Shanmugam added that should the workers have any grievances, there are different proper avenues they may turn to.


He also directed them to several foreign workers unions, whose representatives also participated in the dialogue.

After the chat with Minister Shanmugam, 29-year-old Mr Saravanan shared that he and his peers felt relieved and assured that they do not have to worry about their future in Singapore.




Mr Saravanan has been working in Singapore for the past seven years, and is doing construction for SMRT Corporation.

His colleague Mr D Veeraraj, who has been working in Singapore for 12 years, also added that the reason why they gather at Little India every Sunday is to meet up with their friends from the other dormitories and do their weekly groceries shopping.




Both men were not opposed to the alcohol ban.





Like many of their peers, their purpose of being at Little India is simply to catch up with their friends.


Minister Shanmugam would be visiting other dormitories in Singapore the next day.










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