Coronavirus: Migrant workers important to S'pore economy, say business and trade groups in response to calls to limit numbers
SINGAPORE - In coordinated statements on Wednesday (May 27), business groups and trade associations underlined the importance of migrant workers to Singapore's economy, in response to calls to restrict their numbers after the Covid-19 outbreak among this population.
The groups urged careful consideration of such stricter policies, highlighting the value of foreign labour in different areas, such as in the manufacturing, marine, process, and construction industries, given the country's manpower limitations.
Attention has been drawn to the living conditions of Singapore's migrant workers since the Covid-19 outbreak in dormitories grew last month. They now form more than 90 per cent of Singapore's confirmed cases, which stood at 32,876 as of Wednesday (May 27).
In a joint statement, the Singapore Indian, Malay and Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry noted how there have been calls for stricter migrant worker policies, including having fewer workers.
They said the contributions of migrant workers were immense and have been acknowledged by the country.
"They have enabled Singapore to continue developing as a good home and a good place to do business. Given Singapore's limited workforce, we would not be able to stay competitive in certain sectors otherwise if not for migrant workers."
