Migrant Workers Left Without Pay as Singaporeans Step Up to Help

Around 240 (migrant) workers reported unpaid salaries to MOM after their work permits were abruptly cancelled. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) supported roughly half of them.

Among those registered with TWC2, two-thirds were aged 25 or younger, including 20 aged 18-20.

On 5 November, TWC2 distributed donated items at its Farrer Park shelter. Another 50 workers from the affected companies registered for help, extending the session beyond 5.5 hours.

Workers also received EZ-Link top-ups, while those waiting were given dinner through The Cuff Road Project's free-meals programme.

Many had paid high recruitment fees to work in Singapore, only to go months without wages. They still needed help with transport, phone expenses and daily essentials.

TWC2 appealed for 125 phone top-ups and 150 sets of toiletries and laundry supplies.

Within four days of TWC2's appeal, nearly 20 members of the public contributed funds and essentials. Some pooled money, while others arranged deliveries.

One donor even brought 40 bottles of shampoo from Mustafa Centre.

Netizens praised the public's generosity, with some migrant workers also expressing their appreciation.

TWC2 supports over 1,000 migrant workers annually. Its caseload more than doubled between 2024 and 2025, with 26,000 helpline conversations last year. Its annual services cost over $1 million, with donations to its fundraiser matched by 50% through the Tote Board Enhanced Fundraising Programme