The Contracts Must Be Fair And Just

The Catholic church in Singapore held a World Day of Migrants celebration at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) on September 28, 2008.

Singapore's Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (ACMI) organized the event with support from the SVDP Church Migrants' Group.

Besides celebrating the migrants' cultures, it was a day on which Singaporean Catholics "should ponder seriously and see how we can contribute towards a healthy situation for foreign workers," Archbishop Nicholas Chia said in his homily during the Mass that preceded the programme.

"They serve us (in their jobs), but in our own way we must serve them. The contracts we offer them must be fair and just. Do not just look for cheap labour," he told the workers and parishioners.

Contrast that with this letter published in My Paper today:

I NOTE with concern a recent spike in murder cases involving foreign workers.

Recently, a Malaysian prostitute was murdered in Flanders Square.

It was also reported that there was a total of 24 murders in Singapore to date this year, and some which involve foreigners have been brutal and hideous.

There has been a backlash against the influx of foreign workers to Singapore shores.

It is not uncommon for foreigners with criminal records to use false papers and enter Singapore under a different identity.

For this group of foreigners, their past remains hidden from the authorities.

There are many foreigners who enter the country on two-week social passes and work in the flesh trade to earn a quick buck.

After working in brothels and pubs, they are able to recoup the cost of their air tickets.

Much to citizens' dismay, they are openly working illegally in Singapore, Before things get out of hand, the authorities should gradually place restrictions on the inflow of foreign workers.

I see young foreign girls below the age of 20 working in coffee shops.

They are putting Singapore's "aunties" and "uncles" out of a job as they are cheaper to hire and willing to work longer hours.

There should also be a cap on the number of study mamas entering Singapore, as they often do illegal work to make ends meet.

Something should be done before it is too late.

Mr Gilbert Goh Keow Wah
Sydney, Australia