Pope Francis Advocates for Fair Wages for Migrant Workers in Singapore

Pope Francis on Thursday urged Singapore's political leaders to ensure fair wages for over a million lower-paid foreign workers. Highlighting their significant societal contribution, he emphasized protecting their dignity. The call came during his 12-day Southeast Asia and Oceania tour, amid private meetings and a mass gathering in Singapore.

Pope Francis on Thursday called on Singapore's political leaders to secure fair wages for the nation's lower-paid foreign workers. During what is likely his final significant address on an ambitious 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the 87-year-old pontiff expressed concerns for Singapore's ageing population and its migrant labor force, primarily engaged in construction and domestic services.

Addressing an audience of around 1,000 political, civil, and religious leaders, Francis noted, "I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly ... as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers. These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage."

According to government data, Singapore had 1.1 million foreigners on work permits earning below S$3,000 ($2,300) per month as of December 2023, including 286,300 domestic workers and 441,100 workers in construction, shipyard, and process sectors. The majority of these workers hail from Malaysia, China, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. Following the Pope's remarks, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, a Singapore NGO, supported his call, stating alignment with his views on fair wages.

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower emphasized that wages are determined by the free market, and the government does not impose minimum wages, but ensures fair treatment of workers through strict enforcement of employment laws. Francis' visit, which included private meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, also lauded Singapore's climate change efforts as a model for other nations. The pontiff, who championed global sustainability, praised the country's commitment to combating rising sea levels.

Singapore, with a diverse population of 5.92 million, sees around 210,000 Catholics, with possibly more when including foreign workers. In a mass attended by 50,000 at the national sports stadium, Francis expressed joy and solidarity with the faithful, highlighting the country as a harmonious blend of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. He returns to Rome on Friday after visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.

(With inputs from agencies.)