The High Commission of India (HCI) in Singapore organised a special Independence Day celebration on Aug 18 for about 250 Indian migrant workers and students at its premises with the twin aim of getting to know them and addressing their grievances.
The ceremonies started from 10am with breakfast and a flag-hoisting ceremony by India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, before a question-and-answer session and a biryani lunch.
India’s Independence Day falls on Aug 15.
“We have large migrant worker and student communities in Singapore and our consular services section wanted to reach out to them and try and support them,” said Mr Ameya Abhyankar, head of HCI’s consular section.
“The migrant workers are working six days a week, with only Sundays off, so we wanted to know what their problems were and provide them consular services at their dormitories as a form of goodwill.
“Regarding students, we want them to be compliant with Singapore’s laws and help them with career opportunities and learning new skills.
“We wanted to create a platform for them to understand how employment opportunities globally are shaping up and which jobs would best suit them.”
The migrant workers mostly raised issues related to passport services – accessing their passports during a family emergency in India and finding time to renew their passports.
There were also queries related to the power of attorney attestation that they require to renew their driving licences in India.
“We understand that sometimes they need to take time off from work to come to the High Commission to solve their problems,” said Mr Abhyankar. “From now on, we will go to their dormitories on their days off and help them fill out forms and answer their queries.”
The HCI will start this initiative once a month with Westlite Accommodation, where most of the Indian migrant workers live.
“The response to our requests was positive,” said safety professional Chinnu Veerappan, 45, who hails from Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu and has been working in Singapore for 12 years. “Often it is not possible for us to take a day’s leave and go to the High Commission to sort out our issues. Its staff coming to our places of residence will make it much easier and convenient for us.
“We also pointed out that it is time to raise our daily wages. The High Commission officials said they will take up the matter with the Ministry of Manpower.”
V.K. Santosh Kumar
