1. There are currently a variety of housing options available for foreign workers. For example, workers from factories, services sector, and marine sector may stay in residential areas or within approved dormitories set up within factory premises or on independent sites. Foreign construction workers may stay in quarters within the construction site or in workers' dormitories.

2. But housing for foreign workers in proper accommodation is a multi-faceted issue, which requires the efforts of many different ministries and agencies. Hence, a Foreign Worker Housing Coordinating Committee co-chaired by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and involving the various agencies has been set up since early 2006 to look into this issue.

3. To meet the housing needs of more foreign workers, we are in the process of releasing more sites for operators to build workers' dormitories especially for foreign construction workers. Guidelines have also been reviewed to allow foreign workers to reside in workers’ dormitories located within an industrial or warehouse development. We are also facilitating on-site housing at or near project sites, where site conditions allow.

4. However, given that Singapore is becoming more built up, it will be a challenge to find suitable sites for workers’ dormitories. Increasingly therefore, residents may find more foreign workers living in their midst, or dormitory sites located near their premises.

5. We are mindful of the potential impact of foreign worker housing near residential areas. For the new dormitory sites, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will require successful bidders to provide a range of amenities within the dormitories. Apart from adequate living space for the workers, the dormitories will be required to have, for example, mini-marts, barber, remittance services etc. These amenities will make the dormitories attractive and self-contained, insofar as daily living and recreational needs are concerned. Dormitory operators will also play their part in educating the foreign workers on our culture and way of life.

6. Notwithstanding the facilities provided within the dormitories, it is inevitable that foreign workers will go outside their dormitories and make use of common facilities within the area. Hence, they may patronise our neighbourhood shops or eat next to us in the hawker centres. As foreign workers are here to contribute to our economic growth, we hope that Singaporeans will be more understanding and accommodating in this aspect.

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