Migrant Dreams: Bangladeshi Workers in Singapore - REWIND

Ten years ago, in November 2006, Al Jazeera English was launched. To mark that anniversary, we've created REWIND, which updates some of the channel's most memorable and award-winning documentaries of the past decade. We find out what happened to some of the characters in those films and ask how the stories have developed in the years since our cameras left.

Each year, tens of thousands of migrant workers travel to Singapore in search of a better life.

Most pay hefty fees to agents, who promise them work as labourers in the construction and shipping industries. When the economy was booming, those promises were largely fulfilled. But as a global recession took hold in 2009, horror stories began to emerge.

This film follows the journey of a Bangladeshi worker caught in a nightmarish situation. Mohamed Ismail shows us the room he shares with 13 other people. They sleep on bare concrete floors and there is hardly any space to move. Some claim that unfair deductions have even been taken from their salaries to pay for their cramped living conditions - salaries they don't receive for six months at a time.

Ismail knew life as a migrant worker would be tough, but he thought he would eventually return home to his wife and family as a rich man. Now, he faces the prospect of returning home to his family in Bangladesh with nothing. His 'Migrant Dreams' had turned into a nightmare.

REWIND spoke to Ramachelvam Manimuthu, chairperson of the Committee on Migrants, Refugees and Immigration Affairs in Kuala Lumpur, about why the problems faced by migrant workers continue to persist today.

"We do not provide for migrant workers the same social security protection that is given to the nationals who work in our country," says Manimuthu. "There is this rise of xenophobia, there is this anti-migrant wave ... it is becoming toxic."

[funush]

thanks a lot Al Jazeera for covering such a true story of Bangladeshi helpless people.

[ashrafulislamsaimon]

These labourers working in the foreign soils are building economy of Bangladesh.. I would call them modern day freedom fighters of Bangladesh... The fighters of economical freedom.

[christophergrandison]

After the guy threatens to break the camera man's face, are we to still believe his colleague's assertion that he never slapped the worker?

[iMusikkForeva]

If that's how the boss treated the European reporter right in front of the camera, can you imagine how they treat those poor workers behind closed doors?

[SheikhFaisalBinAabul]

It's high time to do something for our Bangladeshi workers.

[shahnazkabir]

Always poor people suffer so much... My heart goes out for this workers and their families!

[asha]

I feel bad for anyone who is a migrant worker in Singapore or any Arab country.

[reversemoustachecat]

What about Bangladeshi dreams in Dubai or Doha? Or did Singapore come to mind first for you guys

[mdrakibulhasan]

is a shame that, in Singapore, companies are not paying a proper salary though those workers are working hard.

[petersemugenyi]

Yes. That's horrifying but one thing I noted is one. When most of those workers cannot express themselves mostly about their grievances then most bosses exploit their ignorance! Am a migrant worker from Uganda here in UAE but those Bangladeshi men will never express themselves and for them respect to the boss is fear and respect! There should not be a thing like that because it is a recipe for exploitation I know! I talk about all my problems, I know where to go if they cannot solve my issues.
I think education empowers and self confidence is crucial in this volatile world nowadays.

[Richardgreen]

Would be nice to if someone could set up a gofundme to help that man, I felt bad seeing his wife cry like that.

[theoneforhimnow]

It's very sad that the working positions that are treated the worst are the ones that build our countries (construction), clean our cities (janitorial/service), and feed our populations (farm & factory workers).
We would all be lost without them and yet so many are so quick to turn a blind eye to their suffrage.

[sidkings]

I went to visit Singapore once for a holiday. On the way back to the Airport I attempted to flagdown 13 taxis!!!!

I could'nt understand why they would'nt stop as they were all empty. Then it occured to me, they probably thought me and my friends were Bangladeshi migrants so they did'nt want to pick us up.

I'm British Bangladeshi, but clearly in Singapore your skin colour defines who you are, not your passport colour.

[twincam]

This happens in most of middle east, whether it's Singapore, Qatar, Dubai or Saudi Arabia. It is sad to see people going through such hardship and mistreating in this modern age. Lack of legislation allow such exploitation.

[rojalove]

As a S'porean, pls dun work under Indians boss bcoz they will tke advantage of ur suitation. Pls work wit Chinese boss who will look aft u all. Frm S'pore. Frm Ramla Beevi.

[azlim]

Guess the problem is still presisitent. Recently there were reports of Bangladeshi workers not getting paid for 6 months by irresponsible bosses. Lucky that now there are more NGOs helping them

[Interpause]

its not fair enough if you do not interview MOM. also since this documentary, much more steps have been taken to resolve some of these issues, including laws, inspections, fines, etc and encouraging NGOs to step up. The way Singapore works, this is not just lip service.

[ccmma]

The operations manager looks like a killer. Criminal. C how pompous he is answering questions. He should be investigated properly and sanctioned. Please authorities should look into the matters concerning this operations manager. Please.

[gautamraj]

dude says" Give me any problem, I'll break your face "
Reporter : are you threatening me ?

This reporter needs to start going to the gym

[MsGabriel]

I realized that in America they would just file bankruptcy. However that is no excuse for people to treat others in that way. Greed is a powerful thing