Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Number of Fights Amongst Migrant Workers in Dormitories over the Last Two Years

Question :

Ms Foo Mee Har: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) over the last two years, what is the number of fights amongst migrant workers taking place at dormitories; (b) what measures are in place to maintain law and order at dormitories; and (c) what protocols are in place for the police's response so that tensions do not escalate.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.    There were about 550 cases of hurt to persons that occurred in migrant worker dormitories from 2020 to 2021. These include cases of affray and rioting involving migrant workers.

2.    Police work closely with the dormitory operators on safety and security issues. The operators are required as part of licensing conditions under MOM, to put in place security arrangements, including access control measures, closed circuit television systems and deployment of security officers. Police also work with the operators to engage dormitory residents on crime prevention and safety and security matters.

3.    When Police respond to calls for assistance at dormitories, the officers will assess the situation at the scene and take appropriate actions to preserve order. For instance, where tensions are high, the officers will physically separate the different parties.