CNA report finds pattern of exploitation of Myanmar workers in Singapore; MOM sees no notable trend
A CNA investigation highlights troubling patterns of alleged exploitation among Myanmar workers in Singapore, with NGOs reporting rising cases despite official claims of no notable trend.
- CNA investigation suggests exploitation of Myanmar workers extends beyond isolated incidents
- NGOs report rising complaints involving coercion, unpaid wages and deceptive recruitment
- Authorities maintain no significant increase in errant employment practices
A report published on 11 March 2026 by Channel NewsAsia has highlighted a pattern of alleged exploitation involving Myanmar migrant workers in Singapore.
The findings suggest that abuses extend beyond isolated incidents, raising concerns of systemic vulnerabilities affecting a growing group of workers.
The report, led by CNA Senior journalist Aslam Shah, documents allegations ranging from sexual coercion to unpaid wages and misleading job arrangements.
Despite these claims, the Ministry of Manpower told CNA that it has not observed any “notable trend or increase” in such practices over the past three years.
Accounts of coercion and job deception
Several workers described being misled about their employment before arriving in Singapore.
One woman, identified as Mary, said she paid more than S$5,800 in agency fees for a beauty salon job.
Upon arrival, she was allegedly redirected to a massage parlour and pressured to provide illicit services.
When she refused, she was dismissed, and her salary was subsequently reduced under a revised arrangement.
Mary later sought help from the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), which assisted her in filing complaints.
Promises versus reality for migrant workers
Another worker, Diana, reported a similar experience.
She was promised work as a beautician but was instead placed in a massage establishment.
Diana alleged she was molested during her employment and later fled to seek support from an NGO.
Her case was eventually settled outside court after a police report was filed.
Such cases illustrate a recurring pattern where job roles differ significantly from initial agreements.
Male workers also affected by recruitment schemes
Male workers have also reported exploitation linked to deceptive recruitment practices.
Zaw and Kyaw, who travelled to Singapore to avoid conscription, said they were promised kitchen assistant roles.
Instead, their documents listed them as “performing artistes” on short-term permits.
Both had paid over S$4,000 in fees and later sought assistance from Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2).
Their cases highlight how contract discrepancies can leave workers vulnerable to sudden job loss.
Rising complaints amid conflict-driven migration
The increase in such cases coincides with ongoing instability in Myanmar since 2021.
Civil conflict and economic hardship have driven many to seek employment abroad.
Estimates suggest approximately 200,000 Myanmar nationals are currently working in Singapore.
NGOs report that desperation to escape conflict increases vulnerability to exploitation.
Workers often accept unfavourable conditions to avoid being sent back.
NGOs report sharp increase in cases
Data from TWC2 shows a significant rise in cases involving Myanmar nationals.
The organisation assisted just one case in 2022, compared to 131 cases in 2025.
HOME has also reported a steady increase in the number of Myanmar workers seeking help.
Common complaints include unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, and excessive recruitment fees.
However, NGOs caution that these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the issue.
Fear of deportation limits reporting
Many workers do not report abuses due to fear of repatriation.
Under existing regulations, workers who lose their jobs are typically required to return home.
This creates a power imbalance, allowing employers and agents to exert pressure.
Workers may tolerate poor conditions to maintain employment and support families.
NGOs note that financial dependency and legal uncertainty discourage formal complaints.
Investigations reveal complex recruitment networks
Initial complaints often appear to be routine employment disputes.
However, deeper investigations frequently uncover cross-border recruitment irregularities.
Some agencies allegedly operate without clear physical presence or proper documentation.
NGOs reported difficulties in tracing responsible parties, especially when transactions occur informally.
This complexity complicates enforcement and delays resolution of cases.
Official stance disputes broader trend
MOM told CNA that it has not observed a “notable trend or increase” in errant employment practices.
It added that issues faced by Myanmar workers are similar to those experienced by other migrant groups.
The ministry emphasised existing regulations limiting recruitment fees under the Employment Agencies Act.
Penalties for violations include fines and potential imprisonment for employers and agents.
Authorities also noted that special passes may be issued for workers involved in ongoing investigations.
In the documentary, when the CNA host asked why the MOM had observed no notable change while NGOs reported a rise in such cases, a discrepancy was highlighted.
In response, Aslam said the figures differ significantly between MOM’s data and NGOs’ observations.
He added that many Myanmar workers appear to have been scammed by dubious agents operating outside Singapore, limiting what authorities can do even when complaints are lodged.
NGOs have also urged MOM to take stronger preventive measures and pursue cross-border collaboration to curb abuse of the work pass system.
He further noted that many workers, after approaching NGOs, ultimately choose not to file formal complaints due to fears of losing their jobs or being blacklisted.
TOC has also written to the MOM to seek clarification on figures related to alleged sexual coercion cases involving migrant workers from Myanmar and other nationalities in recent years, as well as the number of errant employers or agencies investigated or penalised for breaches of employment regulations.
Should MOM respond, we will update this post.
Calls for stronger safeguards and enforcement
NGOs have called for enhanced protections and stricter enforcement measures.
They emphasised the need for cross-border cooperation to address recruitment abuses occurring before workers arrive.
Advocates also highlighted gaps in legal protections for victims of trafficking and forced labour.
In cases involving sex work, workers risk criminalisation when reporting abuse.
This creates additional barriers to seeking help and accessing protection.
Additional concerns raised by NGOs
In a statement on 17 March 2026, HOME outlined issues not fully addressed in the CNA report.
These include limitations in Singapore’s legal framework in recognising trafficking victims.
HOME also noted that evidence suggests some recruitment fees are collected by Singapore-based agents.
The organisation stressed the need for a victim-centred approach to enforcement.
It called for reforms that prioritise protection rather than punishment.
Recommendations for policy improvements
NGOs proposed several measures to strengthen worker protection.
These include allowing workers greater flexibility to change employers.
They also called for harsher penalties against abusive employers and recruitment agents.
Improved reporting channels and faster investigations were identified as key priorities.
Additionally, advocates urged legal protections for vulnerable workers in high-risk sectors.
