Community support also plays a part

I READ with dismay that some foreign workers pay as much as $10,000 for a chance to work in Singapore ("Some who employ foreign workers still demand kickbacks"; April 13).

It is reassuring that the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) is prepared to take on the care and protection of any migrant worker complainant or witness ("Workers urged to report bosses demanding kickbacks"; last Thursday).

While laws are put in place to deter errant employers and employment agencies from exploiting foreign workers monetarily, fostering greater community support and participation from the public is vital to the overall welfare of these foreign workers.

In my encounters with foreign workers, I have found them very courteous, helpful and hard-working.

They deserve the respect of each one of us, not only because they build our infrastructure, but simply because they are human, like us, deserving of love and care, respect and fair treatment.

In our interactions with them, we can inquire after their welfare and help them to better integrate with our society.

We can give them any help needed and link them with the available resources.

We can be a friend to them, knowing that they are a part of our lives.

Let us seek to understand these foreign workers, just as how we want to be understood.

With the help of the Government, the MWC and other non-governmental organisations, as well as the participation of the public, the welfare of foreign workers in Singapore can be better taken care of.