Migrant Workers’ Centre and Pro Bono SG Officially Launch Migrant Workers’ Law Centre to Enhance Legal Support for Migrant Workers
New Law Centre to Provide On-Site Legal Assistance for Migrant Workers
SINGAPORE, 12 April 2025 – The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) and Pro Bono SG (PBSG) today launched the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC, to enhance legal support for migrant workers in Singapore. Supported by the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF), the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre (MWLC) is housed in MWC, which is a bipartite effort between NTUC and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). The opening was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Special Guest, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay.
Strategic Partnership and Expanded Legal Outreach
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MWC and PBSG in December 2024 to launch the MWLC, the MWLC represents a strategic partnership and significant commitment to expanding legal outreach to migrant workers. Leveraging MWC’s deep engagement with the migrant worker community and PBSG’s legal expertise, MWLC aims to create a more robust support ecosystem through the provision of legal awareness, advice, and advocacy for migrant workers.
Situated at MWC’s Serangoon office at 579 Serangoon Road, MWLC will provide on-site legal guidance and representation to migrant workers facing various challenges, including workplace injuries, employment and salary disputes, repatriation issues, scams, money-lending disputes, criminal cases and other matters affecting their well-being and access to justice in Singapore.
New Migrant Workers’ Law Centre Responds to Demand for More Access to Legal Services
The MWLC builds on the success of PBSG’s pilot Migrant Worker Legal Clinic @ Angullia Mosque which opened in 2022 to provide legal aid to foreign workers of all religions, with interpretation services for languages such as Hindi, Bengali and Tamil. To date, PBSG has 2 received 467 applicants1 at this Legal Clinic. Additionally, since December 2024, MWC has referred 56 cases to PBSG for legal assistance, covering a range of issues from salary disputes to scams and employment-related concerns. This highlights a strong need for Singapore’s community-based integrated legal care to be enhanced.
The MWLC partnership will scale up legal support efforts, ensuring that more migrant workers receive timely and effective legal guidance. With the establishment of MWLC, PBSG will be able to provide structured, on-site legal assistance, streamlining case management and delivering direct legal interventions to better support workers in need.
Importance of Addressing Barriers to Justice
“Migrant workers are an integral part of Singapore’s workforce, and ensuring their access to legal recourse is fundamental to upholding fair employment practices,” said Mr Michael Lim, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers’ Centre. “Recognising the challenges they face, including resource limitations and language barriers, this partnership with Pro Bono SG is a crucial step in providing direct, on-the-ground legal support. By co-locating the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre at MWC’s Serangoon office, we’re creating a one-stop shop, streamlining access to essential assistance and legal advice at a convenient location. The Migrant Workers’ Law Centre is more than just a legal aid service; it’s a commitment to ensuring every worker in Singapore feels heard, valued, and protected.”
Empowering Migrant Workers with Legal Rights
Mr Dinesh Dhillon, Chairman of Pro Bono SG, said, “At Pro Bono SG, we are committed to improving access to justice for all, regardless of background or circumstance. Through this collaboration with the Migrant Workers’ Centre, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering migrant workers with the legal support they need to navigate challenges and secure their rights. The Migrant Workers’ Law Centre serves as a vital platform where legal assistance is not just available, but accessible, ensuring that every migrant worker in Singapore has the opportunity to be heard and receive fair treatment.”
The Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC will be staffed by a full-time Community Lawyer and Programme Coordinator, and will include volunteers from PBSG’s extensive pool. The Law Centre will open from 9:00am to 5:45pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, and 11:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.