Govt unveils new conditions for factory-converted dorms
Operators will soon have to provide Wi-Fi and personal lockers in factory-converted dormitories, as part of new conditions to improve the housing standards of foreign workers.
With effect from 1 January 2017, all operators of factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) must meet four new conditions when seeking approval to use their industrial premises to house foreign workers, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Wednesday, 24 August.
Operators must provide Wi-Fi within the FCD and assign a personal locker to each worker, as well as set up a feedback channel for workers to report issues related to the FCD’s housing conditions. They should also have at least one sick bay within the FCD, including a contingency plan to deal with cases of infectious diseases.
Operators will have to adhere to the new conditions on top of existing ones. In fact, they will have to submit documentary proof that they have met all the conditions before they will be allowed to operate.
The MOM will continue to conduct regular inspections and will take enforcement action against operators who fail to meet or adhere to these conditions.
The new conditions follow the MOM’s call to FCD operators to raise housing standards earlier this month, and after consultations with industry stakeholders.
In a statement, the Ministry noted that FCD operators have a legal obligation to provide “a safe and secure living environment”.
“Foreign workers make important contributions across so many different jobs and capacities in various sectors. It is only right that we ensure they are well taken care of while they work here,” said Minister of State for Manpower Teo Ser Luck, who delivered an opening address at an FCD seminar.
During the seminar, Teo also announced the MOM’s plan to introduce a dormitory awards initiative to commend exemplary FCDs and purpose-built dormitories. Details on the awards will be revealed at a later date.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
