Foreign Workers From Other Industries Joins Orientation Programme

Foreign Workers From Other Industries Joins Orientation Programme – Help Them Adapt to Living and Working in Singapore

Since October 2018, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has appointed Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) to conduct SIP for first time non-Malaysian foreign workers in the Construction sector. The SIP began in October 2018 and ended in March 2019. With more than 5,000 foreign workers attending the classroom-based orientation programme, the SIP has received excellent feedback from workers and employers alike. Hence, the SIP is extended to foreign workers in the Marine, Process and Manufacturing sectors respectively in December 2019.

 

Orientation Programme – Learning the Right Matter

Majority of the workers that attended the SIP expressed gratitude and satisfactory remarks as they find the programme provides useful and beneficial information for their employment in Singapore as they are made aware of the employment rights and responsibilities. The foreign workers also became friends with each other, thus creating their social support network. The employers are supportive in sending them for SIP as it also highlights local practices and social norms in Singapore. This, in turn, will safeguard foreign workers from misunderstandings or disputes with the locals.

 

Sense of Security

Through the SIP, foreign workers are assured that they can approach MOM or MWC should they need assistance in any issues such as salary disputes or well-being while in Singapore. Should they complain or contact law enforcement officers with their problem, the foreign workers can rest assured that their complaint will be dealt with accordingly and followed-up expeditiously. The SIP trainers are well-versed in case handling which enables them to conduct the programme in a more precise and engaging manner, using real cases as references. Though the SIP is conducted in English, it is also available in the foreign workers’ native language such as Bengali, Burmese, Mandarin, Tamil and Thai. This further enhances their experience and appreciation while in Singapore.

 

Conclusion

As such when a prosperous country like Singapore requires foreign expertise or labour, legislation and enforcement are put in place. Combine that with educating the foreign workers with relevant rules and regulation, employment rights, individual responsibilities, local practices and social norms, any foreign worker will find that a land foreign to them, in the beginning, will become the place they call home.