Ramu Palani Velu, the Indian-origin permanent resident who allegedly abandoned over 400 migrant workers, has returned to Singapore after fleeing the country. As reported by Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, Velu's passport has been impounded upon his return. The director of three construction-related companies — SK Industries, KPA Engineering, and VVR Plant Engineering had allegedly left the workers without wages for three to four months before fleeing Singapore. The workers approached Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MoM) on June 22 to recover their salaries, prompting the ministry to take action against the alleged abandonment.
Singapore's main labour organisation, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has made significant progress in placing the affected workers. According to Minister Dash, about 20 of the affected workers have already landed jobs in equivalent sectors, with the vast majority of remaining workers expected to be placed within two to three weeks. The organisation has received interest from more than 80 companies offering close to 400 vacancies for the affected workers. NTUC secretary general Ng Chee Meng confirmed that job placements would start next week and efforts are underway to ensure that affected workers can move into new employment opportunities.
To support workers during the transition period, NTUC and Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) provided immediate financial assistance. Each worker received S$ 100 in cash and S$ 100 worth of supermarket vouchers earlier this week. The Singapore government has also announced additional assistance of S$ 200 per worker, along with vouchers, to help meet essential expenses while the workers seek new employment. Along with NTUC, the Migrant Workers' Centre is also helping relocate the workers to a single accommodation facility. The Hindu Endowment and Hindu Advisory Boards and temples have provided goody bags to give the workers some degree of normalcy during this difficult period.
The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), a joint initiative of MoM, NTUC and the Singapore National Employers Federation, has been assisting the workers in filing employment-related claims. According to reports, TADM officials visited Tuas View Dormitory, where the workers are currently staying, to help them submit their claims directly. Minister Dash emphasized that migrant workers who owe salaries should reach out to TADM for assistance. The minister also thanked MWC and the Singapore Contractors Association for coming forward with job opportunities, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the crisis.
