Singapore Unveils First MOM-Owned Dormitory for Migrant Workers

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore inaugurated its first migrant worker dormitory, the NESST Tukang, on January 17, 2024, in Jurong. Designed to accommodate up to 2,400 workers in 210 rooms, this facility represents a significant step in elevating the living conditions for migrant workers in the country. The dormitory was developed in response to the heightened standards implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for better housing solutions.

As of January 2024, nearly all the beds in NESST Tukang are occupied, with full occupancy anticipated by May 2024, according to MOM’s press release. Alongside the opening of this dormitory, MOM also introduced a new grant under its Dormitory Transition Scheme, aimed at assisting existing dormitories in upgrading their facilities to comply with the newly established standards.

Upgrading Dormitory Standards

In September 2021, Singapore raised dormitory standards following scrutiny over the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers due to cramped living conditions. The new regulations mandate that all new dormitories adhere to these improved requirements, while existing ones must comply with interim standards by 2030 and meet the higher standards by 2040. NESST Tukang is one of the first facilities to be constructed under these updated guidelines.

According to Tan See Leng, the Minister for Manpower, the launch of NESST Tukang reflects a “collective responsibility” to ensure that Singapore’s migrant workforce is housed adequately. He emphasized the shift from merely meeting basic accommodation needs to enhancing the overall dormitory ecosystem. “When workers are well-housed and well-cared for, they are better able to give their best at work, and our society benefits as a whole,” Tan remarked at the opening ceremony.

MOM’s upcoming dormitory at Sengkang West is also in the works, with construction beginning in January 2024. This facility is expected to provide an additional 7,200 beds and commence operations by the end of 2028.

Details of the New Dormitory

The standards set for NESST Tukang dictate that each room accommodate a maximum of 12 residents, with a minimum of 1 meter of space between beds. Additionally, there is at least one ensuite toilet, shower, and wash basin for every six residents. Each occupant must have a minimum of 4.2 square meters of living space.

The newly introduced Dormitory Transition Scheme grant aims to assist existing dormitories in upgrading facilities. The financial support will vary based on the required retrofitting. Between 2026 and 2028, the grant will cover amounts such as S$4,200 (approximately USD 3,300) for constructing new rooms and S$9,800 for adding ensuite toilets. This financial aid is intended to alleviate potential disruptions to bed availability during the retrofitting process.

About 900 dormitories housing around 200,000 beds are expected to qualify for this grant. Operators must submit retrofitting schedules for approval and complete the work within the designated timelines to minimize the impact on bed supply.

Tan noted that MOM aimed to exceed the required standards at NESST Tukang, which serves as a testbed for innovative solutions in the dormitory sector. The development process involved consultations with a specialist design advisory panel, migrant workers, and industry representatives to ensure that the dormitory promotes both physical and mental well-being.

Facilities at NESST Tukang include rooms with six single beds and loft beds designed to minimize disturbances. The dormitory features ample natural light, dedicated social spaces, communal dining areas, and recreational facilities, including a gym and green spaces for outdoor activities.

Migrant worker Kalai Bilavebdran, who has been in Singapore for a decade, remarked on the superior facilities at NESST Tukang compared to previous dormitories. He appreciates the convenient location, which allows residents to reach Little India within 30 to 40 minutes using public transport. However, he expressed a desire for an ATM on-site, as many residents prefer cash transactions.

Pandemic Preparedness and Resident Support

Designed with pandemic readiness in mind, NESST Tukang incorporates automated thermal scanners and wastewater surveillance to monitor health conditions. Multi-purpose recreational areas can be transformed into isolation zones, with designated pathways to facilitate safe movement during health crises.

One of the innovative features being tested at the dormitory is the i-SMART management system, which integrates temperature scanning and facial recognition technology to detect potential health issues among residents. This system allows for feedback collection and facility bookings through a dedicated app.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Tan highlighted the importance of mental wellness programs in supporting residents. Partnerships with organizations like HealthServe aim to raise mental health awareness and encourage health-seeking behaviors. Residents also have access to familiar products from their home countries through on-site minimarts and vending machines.

Despite the advanced features and compliance with stricter standards, Tan confirmed that the pricing for beds at NESST Tukang remains competitive, with rates below those of comparable facilities. The median monthly rate for beds in 2023 was approximately S$450. “Our goal is to uplift living standards without imposing excessive costs, demonstrating that quality housing is both attainable and sustainable,” he stated.

The NESST Tukang dormitory stands as a pivotal example of Singapore’s commitment to improving the living conditions of migrant workers while ensuring their health and well-being in an increasingly complex landscape.