Singapore repatriation firms' tactics under workers' rights microscope
Bangladeshi claims he had knife held to his throat by 'repatriation firm' hired by Singapore employer trying to force him out to reclaim bond
Bapari Jakir's employers wanted to see him off the job, but the welder was heavily in debt and didn't want to go back to Bangladesh. So, he claims, they encouraged him to leave by hiring a company whose thugs held him captive in a room, holding a knife to his throat.
Singapore needs foreign workers, but it doesn't want them to overstay their welcome, and firms get fined when they do. That has created a market for "repatriation companies" which deny allegations from activists and the United States that they use illegal tactics to expel foreign workers.
The country's wealth and continued growth rely in large part on foreign workers such as Jakir, who build its skyline and maintain its quality infrastructure. Yet as the numbers of migrant workers soars, tales of abuse and exploitation are threatening to take some of the shine off the city's international reputation.
In December, migrant workers from South Asia rioted in the country's first social unrest for more than 40 years. Some activists claim that anger over working conditions might have been a factor in the riots, which shocked a nation long seen as a beacon of stability.
The activities of "repatriation companies" are a major source of concern for activists on the tightly controlled island.
Firms hiring foreign labour must lodge a S$5,000 (HK$30,772) bond with the government for each worker, and that is returnable only when they leave.