Nearly 240 migrant workers go without pay for up to 2 months; some paid $12,000 to get jobs
For workers whose employers are unable to pay their outstanding wages, they may receive a token sum in financial assistance.
PHOTO: Instagram/Desmond Choo
PUBLISHED ONOctober 23, 2026 2:03 PMBYKoh Xing YingNearly 240 migrant workers in Singapore's process sector have gone without salaries for up to two months, with some reportedly paying as much as $12,000 in fees to secure jobs.
In a post shared on NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Choo's Instagram page on Friday (Oct 23), it was revealed that the workers are mainly from Bangladesh, with some having arrived in Singapore as recently as July.
NTUC senior executive Jeremiah Khoo said the affected workers had gathered at the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) Recreation Club at Soon Lee on Oct 19 and 20 to seek help, as they had yet to receive their salaries.
"I think the immediate concern is almost all of them are breadwinners. We identify those workers who need immediate support, so we are providing support to close to 90 workers with their meal provision," said Xavier Joseph, assistant director for operations at MWC.
According to NTUC, the affected workers are employed by Process Maintenance Solutions Pte Ltd. and Jurong Technical & Construction Pte Ltd.
MWC met about 230 workers during the two-day period to assess their needs and is working with the Ministry of Manpower to arrange accommodation for them.
The centre is also helping the workers file salary claims, including claims for unpaid overtime, while assisting them to find new jobs and ensuring they have access to food and medical care.
For workers whose employers are unable to pay their outstanding wages, MWC's charity arm, the migrant workers' assistance fund, may provide a token sum of financial assistance.
"We strongly urge (affected) workers to come forward as soon as possible. The sooner they come forward, the sooner we can provide support and provide the assurance," said MWC.
It added that those who are unable to find new jobs may eventually have to return home.
[[nid:739100]]