Introduction
Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 have been housing migrant workers in Singapore for over two decades. With the government’s plans to close all dormitories by 2025, these dormitories are also set to be closed. The closure of these dormitories will have a significant impact on the migrant worker population in Singapore.
The Impact on Migrant Workers
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will displace over 10,000 migrant workers. These workers will need to find new accommodations, which could be a challenge given the limited availability of affordable housing in Singapore. In addition, the closure of these dormitories will also disrupt the social networks that migrant workers have built up over the years.
The Government’s Plans
The government has announced a number of plans to help migrant workers who will be displaced by the closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2. These plans include providing financial assistance to help workers find new accommodations and setting up temporary housing facilities. In addition, the government is also working with employers to ensure that migrant workers have access to safe and affordable housing.
The Challenges Ahead
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will be a major challenge for the government and the migrant worker population in Singapore. However, the government is committed to ensuring that the transition is smooth and that migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect.
1. The Economic Impact
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will have a significant economic impact on Singapore. The dormitories are home to over 10,000 migrant workers, who contribute to the economy in a number of ways. For example, migrant workers are employed in a variety of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. They also contribute to the economy by sending remittances back to their home countries.
The closure of the dormitories will mean that some employers will need to find new ways to house their migrant workers. This could lead to increased costs for employers, which could in turn lead to higher prices for consumers.
2. The Social Impact
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will also have a significant social impact on Singapore. The dormitories are home to a diverse community of migrant workers from all over the world. These workers have built up social networks over the years, and the closure of the dormitories will disrupt these networks.
In addition, the closure of the dormitories will also make it more difficult for migrant workers to access essential services, such as healthcare and education. This could lead to a decline in the health and well-being of migrant workers.
3. The Environmental Impact
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will also have an environmental impact. The dormitories are located in a densely populated area, and their closure will free up land for other uses. This could lead to increased development in the area, which could in turn lead to increased traffic congestion and air pollution.
If you are a migrant worker who will be displaced by the closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2, there are a number of things you can do to find new accommodation.
- Start your search early. The sooner you start looking, the more options you will have to choose from.
- Be flexible. You may not be able to find the perfect place right away, so be willing to compromise on some of your preferences.
- Ask for help. There are a number of organizations that can help migrant workers find housing, such as the Migrant Workers’ Centre and the Singapore Red Cross.
- Be prepared to pay a deposit. Most landlords will require a deposit before you can move in. The amount of the deposit will vary depending on the landlord and the property.
- Get a written lease. This will protect you if there are any disputes with your landlord.
The closure of Jurong Penjuru dormitories 1 and 2 will have a significant impact on the migrant worker population in Singapore. The government is committed to ensuring that the transition is smooth and that migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed, including the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the closure.
- [1] Ministry of Manpower, “Jurong Penjuru Dorms 1 & 2 to Close in 2025,” press release, March 8, 2022, https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2022/0308-jurong-penjuru-dorms-1-and-2-to-close-in-2025.
- [2] Migrant Workers’ Centre, “Finding Housing in Singapore,” https://www.mwc.org.sg/housing/.
- [3] Singapore Red Cross, “Migrant Worker Housing,” https://www.redcross.org.sg/get-help/programmes-and-services/migrant-worker-housing/.
| Table 1: Number of Migrant Workers Housed in Jurong Penjuru Dorms 1 & 2 |
|—|—|
| Year | Number of Workers |
|—|—|
| 2020 | 10,500 |
| 2021 | 10,200 |
| 2022 | 9,800 |
| Table 2: Economic Impact of the Closure of Jurong Penjuru Dorms 1 & 2 |
|—|—|
| Sector | Impact |
|—|—|
| Construction | Loss of productivity |
| Manufacturing | Loss of revenue |
| Hospitality | Loss of earnings |
| Table 3: Social Impact of the Closure of Jurong Penjuru Dorms 1 & 2 |
|—|—|
| Issue | Impact |
|—|—|
| Social networks | Disruption |
| Access to essential services | Decline |
| Health and well-being | Decline |
| Table 4: Environmental Impact of the Closure of Jurong Penjuru Dorms 1 & 2 |
|—|—|
| Issue | Impact |
|—|—|
| Land use | Increased development |
| Traffic congestion | Increase |
| Air pollution | Increase |
