TWC2

Singapore, a UN member state, will undergo the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) today (12 May 2026). The UPR is a United Nations (@unitednations ) process where member states review each other’s human rights records and recommendations (catch the live broadcast here: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1f/k1f4qowgdz). Alongside the government’s national report, civil society organisations can submit independent reports with their findings. This year, HOME and TWC2 (@twc2sg ) submitted a joint stakeholder report on the rights and conditions of migrant workers in Singapore, summarised in this post. The UPR process places international attention on gaps in protection and accountability, creating pressure for governments to respond and improve policies. Understanding this process can help build a more informed public conversation around labour rights and the kind of protections we want to uphold as a society. Read our full report via the link in bio, scan the QR code at the end of this post, or visit tinyurl.com/TWC2-HOME-UPR #upr #sgnews #singaporenews #unitednations #singapore

Join our next learning session 😍 Whether you're interested in volunteering with us, or just curious about migrant worker issues, we'd love to see you at our next Heartbeat session! Tuesday 12 May 2026 7.30pm - 8.30pm 1C Rowell Road, S207958 Farrer Park MRT Exit C Email us at [email protected] to sign up 😊

Despite their contributions to Singapore’s economy, migrant workers remain highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Such vulnerability is systemic, and not just the result of individual bad actors. This Labour Day, we reflect on the work still needed to fix the system. Swipe to read, and look out for more on our website, coming soon.

At TWC2, we often encounter employers who knowingly break the law. The stories sound almost fantastical: for example, Bissek’s boss, who hadn’t paid him for 5 months, fabricates paperwork and videos to make it look like salaries were paid. These are not isolated instances created by bad actors. They result from a system that fosters vulnerability and precarity for low-wage migrant workers. High recruitment fees, collected by unlicensed middlemen, push workers into debt before they even arrive in Singapore, thus increasing their risk of exploitation. Addressing this requires systemic change – we desperately need a centralised, digital hiring platform that eliminates unlicensed middlemen. Full story in our bio link 🔗

Employees of 3 associated companies paid a total of around $1.14million to secure their jobs. The workers told us that the majority of these fees went to their bosses. Charging for jobs is illegal in Singapore. So how was this allowed to happen? Read the full story in our bio link 🔗

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: Dormitories are a secondary issue. Improved living conditions for migrant workers are always welcome. But this should not distract from the pressing work that needs to be done. Issues such as debt bondage, wage theft, and deceptive recruitment practices are the key factors which leave workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Our deep thanks to Rthvika Suvarna and Gabrielle Ng for allowing us to bring a ground-up perspective to their piece on the new NESST Tukang Dormitory. Full article in bio link 🔗

This pro bono win is especially meaningful for Team @tsmplaw , as we take our commitment to access to justice very seriously. Please join us in congratulating our Partner Melvin Chan and Senior Associate Amelia Tan on this achievement. A big thank you as well to our collaborator @twc2sg for bringing this case to our attention. #ProBono #WorkerRights

Over the past year, we have seen a rising number of Burmese workers in Singapore’s service sector who are overworked and underpaid. These are the people who brew our morning coffee and serve our meals in neighbourhood eateries. Their stories raise an uncomfortable question each time we see a foreign worker behind the counter or in the kitchen: Is Singapore doing right by them? Full story in our bio linK

TWC2 has seen migrant workers who were at their breaking point due to financial stress. Improved mental health support might help workers cope with chronic stress, but it will not resolve their underlying problems. Better mental health for migrant workers relies on: - fixing messy recruitment networks - better enforcement of salary laws - laws that allow workers sufficient time and flexibility to transfer jobs More about the recent migrant worker mental health study on ST. Link in our bio

Last 3 days to donate! Help migrant workers travel to essential appointments during their pursuit of justice. We’re far from our goal of $20,000, but are still trying to raise as much as we can – so that no worker is turned away in their time of need. Donation link in bio

Urgent: last 7 days to donate A huge thank you to everyone who has gotten us to this point! 🙏 With your support, we really hope to continue providing workers with transport allowances after existing our funds run out 🥹 The number of workers who need our help is growing, and we don’t want to turn brothers away in their time of need. If you’ve been thinking of contributing, but haven’t already done so, now’s the time!! 💙

When many people give what they can, even small amounts add up to real impact. At our last update in September 2025, we had disbursed $2,500 from the 2025 Ramadan fundraiser. A further $8,300 has been disbursed since. Swipe to read about the changes you have made, and please consider donating this year if you have the means to do so! 🙏❤️