MOM moves displaced migrant workers to temporary lodging, ramps up job-matching following alleged unpaid wages case

About 20 workers have found new jobs, while most of the remaining affected workers are expected to be placed within the next two to three weeks. Around 230 will be moved to the MOM Onboard Centre, where lodging and meals will be provided.

Migrant workers in Singapore affected by alleged unpaid wages and housing disruption will receive temporary lodging, meals and job-matching support, as authorities and worker groups continue efforts to help them secure new employment.

Speaking at the Kranji Recreation Centre on 28 June 2026, Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said around 230 workers who have to move out of their Tuas View dormitories will be relocated to the Ministry of Manpower’s Onboard Centre, where lodging and food will be provided.

About 20 affected workers have already found jobs in equivalent sectors, and most of the remaining workers are expected to be placed in jobs within the next two to three weeks.

The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), NTUC and the Singapore Contractors Association Limited are assisting with job-matching efforts. Community groups, including temples working with the Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board, have also provided support items to the workers.

The case follows reports of unpaid wages involving engineering firms KPA Engineering and SK Industries. More than 100 migrant workers sought help at MOM Services Centre in Bendemeer on 22 June, saying they were owed salaries after their employers became unreachable.

According to earlier updates from NTUC and MWC, around 400 workers have been affected by the alleged wage dispute. Some workers were reportedly owed between one and four months’ salary, while others faced uncertainty over their employment and living arrangements.

MWC has been providing immediate assistance, including meals, transport, dormitory outreach and advice on filing salary claims. NTUC and MWC have also rolled out financial support for affected workers, including cash allowances and vouchers for necessities.

Job placement has been a key focus, as many of the workers have said they wish to continue working in Singapore to support their families and repay debts. As of 24 June, 40 firms had stepped forward with 150 construction-sector vacancies for affected workers.

MOS Dinesh said the employer who had been overseas returned to Singapore on 26 June and is assisting with investigations. His passport has been impounded.

He added that MOM takes breaches of the Employment Act and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act seriously. Employers found guilty may face penalties of between S$3,000 and S$15,000 per charge, up to six months’ jail, or both.

The MOS encouraged workers who are owed salaries to approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), which can assist them in recovering unpaid wages.

In a Facebook post on the matter, MOM stated that its priority remains "to help affected workers recover their outstanding salaries, facilitate transfers to new employers for those who wish to continue working in Singapore, and ensure employers are held accountable for meeting their responsibilities under our laws."

Lead image / MOM Facebook