Singapore migrant workers reliant on emergency meals amid two-month wage arrears

Nearly 240 migrant workers in Singapore's process sector are without pay for up to two months, leaving some unable to meet basic daily needs. NTUC deputy secretary-general Desmond Choo stated on October 23 that the workers are affected by alleged salary issues at Process Maintenance Solutions and Jurong Technical & Construction. The immediate financial gap has forced a reliance on emergency support mechanisms rather than earned income. Immediate Household Support Mechanisms Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) and the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group met with 230 workers on October 19 and 20 to assess needs. As a direct result of these meetings, MWC and MOM are providing daily meals to approximately 90 of the affected workers. This in-kind transfer substitutes for the cash wages that have not been received, addressing the most urgent household cost: food. Beyond meals, the support structure includes job matching assistance to secure new employment, legal aid for salary claims including overtime pay, and direct financial assistance for those with immediate liquidity crises. These measures aim to stabilize the workers' material conditions while the underlying wage disputes are resolved.