Pope Francis Advocates for Fair Wages for Migrant Workers During Singapore Visit

During a visit to Singapore, Pope Francis addressed political leaders, urging them to ensure fair wages for over a million low-income foreign workers. His speech highlighted concerns for the aging population and migrant labor, while praising Singapore's climate initiatives and cultural diversity.

In a robust appeal during his visit to Singapore, Pope Francis on Thursday urged political leaders to seek fair wages for the country's over one million lower-paid foreign workers. As a pivotal part of his extensive 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the 87-year-old pontiff expressed his concerns for Singapore's burgeoning elderly population and its substantial migrant workforce, primarily employed in construction and domestic service sectors.

Addressing approximately 1,000 politicians and civil and religious leaders, Pope Francis stated, "I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly, as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers." He noted that these workers significantly contribute to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage.

Singapore hosts 1.1 million foreign workers earning less than S$3,000 ($2,300) per month, with many hailing from Malaysia, China, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, a Singapore NGO, supported the pope's remarks, aligning with his call for fair wages. The nation's workforce ministry did not provide immediate comments. Pope Francis' concerns for migrant workers were also reflected earlier in his tour in Papua New Guinea.

(With inputs from agencies.)