“Looks Nicer Than Tekong Army Bunks”: S’poreans On Upcoming MOM-Run Migrant Worker Dorms

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recently announced they will be building a new migrant worker dormitory at Tukang Innovation Lane in Boon Lay. 

The new dorm is the first to be built and owned by MOM, and is slated to open in 2026. A second project, also by the government, will be located in Sengkang West, and is expected to be ready in 2028. 

The new dorms will give foreign workers more space and privacy. Each room will house up to 12 residents, an improvement from current conditions where 16 or more workers share a room. 

Additional facilities, such as Wi-Fi, ensuite toilets, ensuite laundry facilities, private nooks, multi-purpose rooms, an indoor gym, and cricket practice lanes will also be provided — a definite upgrade from the current bare bones amenities.

Singaporeans are on board with the improvements, with many saying the migrant workers “totally deserve it”, and that it was about time they are provided with better living conditions. 

“That’s a significant upgrade… They would really appreciate the Wi-Fi to connect with their families back home,” wrote one netizen, with many others agreeing with the sentiment. 

Some also said the dorms “look better than the army bunks in Tekong” and that they look like “fancy hostels”. 

A number also hoped that the dorms will be maintained well when the time comes for migrant workers to move in. 

Migrant workers don’t have it easy. They are far from home, and work long hours in order to constantly improve Singapore’s infrastructure. It only makes sense they’re allowed the same improvements as well.