The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) announced that it will be collaborating with Pro Bono SG (PBSG) to launch the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC in the first quarter of 2025. This two-year initiative funded by the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF), will provide on-site legal guidance and representation to migrant workers, offering much-needed support to this essential segment of our workforce in Singapore.
The MWC and PBSG partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the two organisations, witnessed by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower, and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay.
A Joint MWC and PBSG Effort to Strengthen Support for Migrant Workers
The Migrant Workers’ Law Centre, to be housed at MWC’s Serangoon office at 579 Serangoon Road, will serve as a dedicated hub offering legal assistance to migrant workers, who may need help with issues such as unpaid salaries, disputes over work injury compensation or other employment-related challenges.
It will be staffed by a full-time Community Lawyer and Programme Coordinator, and will include volunteers from PBSG’s extensive pool, SG Cares Volunteer Centres, and other community organisations specialising in migrant worker support.
The MWC and PBSG collaboration aims to expand PBSG’s capacity to provide legal awareness, advice, and advocacy for migrant workers. It will also enhance community-based integrated legal care, bridging the gap between legal services and other forms of social support.
Mr Gregory Vijayendran, SC, Chairman, Pro Bono SG, said, “This powerful partnership demonstrates synergy and synchronicity in creating capacity for change. By building bridges to access justice, we empower our migrant worker community to navigate their challenges with confidence. When we do so, we not only restore dignity and hope to them, but strengthen the dignity and humanity of our entire community.”
Mr Michael Lim, Executive Director, Migrant Workers’ Centre, NTUC, said, “At MWC, we understand that our migrant workers face challenges in accessing legal services, such as the lack of resources to engage lawyers and language barriers. With this partnership, we want to bring better legal access to our migrant workers as part of our commitment to championing their rights. The Migrant Workers’ Law Centre is a significant step towards ensuring every worker in Singapore feels supported and valued.”
MWC International Migrants’ Day – A Celebration of Diversity and Community
The MOU signing ceremony took place during MWC’s International Migrants’ Day celebrations at Jurong Lake Gardens, which featured a wide range of activities showcasing Singapore’s vibrant migrant worker community:
a) We Got Talent Finals: A singing competition celebrating diversity through music, open to all individuals in Singapore, including migrant workers and local Singaporeans. This competition fosters social integration by bringing people of different nationalities and backgrounds together on one platform, using music as a universal language. The finals will showcase 10 contestants representing diverse cultures and talents, highlighting the power of music to unite communities.
b) MWC Superstar Awards: Honouring 16 MWC Grassroots Ambassadors for their outstanding contributions to their communities. These dedicated individuals have actively engaged in MWC events and gone above and beyond to support fellow migrant workers. From educating peers about Singapore’s employment laws to assisting new arrivals in adjusting to life here, these ambassadors play a vital role in smoothening integration and fostering a sense of belonging within our society.
c) Special Performances: Guest stars Mizan Mahmud Rajib (Bangladesh), Gana Bala (India), and Yang Guang Ke Le (Singapore) will perform, showcasing cultural unity.
d) Partner Booths: Featuring Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), embassies, government agencies, and other organisations dedicated to supporting migrant workers.
Additional activities celebrating International Migrants’ Day were also held at the Migrant Workers’ Centre Recreation Club (MWCRC @ Soon Lee), Penjuru RC, Terusan RC and Tuas South RC. This MWC’s International Migrants’ Day celebrations highlights the contributions of migrant workers to Singapore’s society and economy while strengthening bonds between local residents and the migrant community.
