Wife has to borrow money to pay kids’ school fees, says migrant worker in unpaid wages case

He is worried about the status of his work permit, which allows him to legally live and work in Singapore.

It expires on July 3 and if he is unable to secure alternative employment, “I have to go back home”, he said.

“I have no money to give the agent, so I am asking my friends if they know where I can find a job,” he added.

Joe said he received some reassurance after meeting officials from MOM and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management, which are looking into the workers’ complaints regarding unpaid wages and other issues including housing arrangements. 

They are also assisting the workers and reaching out to the employers.

Like Joe, Abdul (not his real name) said he is also owed wages by KPA Engineering. The Bangladesh national said he has been working with the firm for about 10 months, and is owed about three months worth of wages.

“I never had any issues since I started working in Singapore,” said Abdul, who moved to Singapore for work in 2012. He was previously hired by two different firms.

He returned to Bangladesh about a year ago when his father died, and on his return, was hired by KPA Engineering around September 2025.

Abdul said he was earning about $1,500 a month as a site manager, adding that the income allows him to support his 85-year-old mother and his wife.

“If I go back, who will give my family money?” he said.

Joe said most of the migrant workers who are hired by KPA Engineering are housed at Tuas View Dormitory.

They previously had access to food supplied by a caterer, but that stopped over unpaid bills.

He added that the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) has been providing meals for employees affected by the fallout.

On the morning of June 23, Joe said that MWC staff delivered vegetarian food such as lemon rice for breakfast to affected workers.

“Lunch was curry and rice. I’m grateful the government officers are taking care of the issue and providing us with food,” he added.