KUALA LUMPUR - Dormitory operators housing around 200,000 migrant workers are expected to receive more than $100 million in government funding to improve living conditions under stricter accommodation requirements.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on Jan 17 unveiled details of the grants under the Dormitory Transition Scheme (DTS), which was announced in 2023 to support retrofitting works in existing dormitories, as reported by The Straits Times.

The scheme targets improvements to about 900 dormitories to enhance liveability and public health standards, following intense scrutiny of migrant worker housing during the Covid-19 outbreaks in 2020.

“Migrant workers play an essential role in building Singapore, as they construct our homes and infrastructure, and contribute to our economy,” Dr Tan said at the official opening of the NESST Tukang Dormitory.

The facility is the first dormitory built by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that fully meets the New Dormitory Standards (NDS) announced in September 2021.

Dr Tan said Singapore’s earlier approach to migrant worker housing had focused largely on meeting basic accommodation needs.

“The Covid-19 pandemic reminded us of the importance of strengthening our dormitory ecosystem. It also underscored our belief that when workers are well-housed and well-cared-for, they are better able to give their best at work, and our society benefits,” he said.

Under the DTS, dormitories will face a cap of 12 residents per room, compared with current arrangements where 16 or more workers may share a room.

The scheme also requires en-suite toilets, isolation facilities and a minimum living space of 3.6 sq m per resident, alongside enhanced infection-control measures.

Existing dormitories have until 2030 to meet DTS requirements, while compliance with the stricter NDS — including a minimum living space of 4.2 sq m per resident and at least one metre between beds — will be required by 2040.

“This phased approach will minimise disruption to the dormitory industry, while moving to higher standards as soon as practically possible for public health reasons,” Dr Tan said.

Eligible operators will receive between $3,000 and $8,800 for each type of retrofitting work completed per unit, with the total funding amount depending on the scope and timing of works.

Dormitories that complete upgrades by the end of 2028 will qualify for higher grants, in an effort to prevent a future bed supply crunch.

For example, grants for room partitions will be $4,200 if completed by 2028, compared with $3,000 for works completed between 2029 and 2030, while isolation rooms with en-suite toilets will attract $12,300 if completed early.

Dormitories with leases expiring by 2033 will be exempted from retrofitting due to their shorter remaining lease durations.

Dr Tan said the opening of the NESST Tukang Dormitory reflects the government’s commitment to transform the migrant worker housing landscape and strengthen preparedness for future health crises.

Located at Tukang Innovation Lane, the MOM-owned facility can house up to 2,400 workers across 210 rooms and is expected to reach full occupancy by May.

The dormitory features loft beds designed to reduce sleep disturbance, north-south facing rooms with larger windows for improved airflow, communal dining spaces on each floor and advanced health-monitoring systems.

MOM said six new dormitories with a combined capacity of about 45,000 beds will be built over the coming years, including a second government dormitory at Sengkang West, which began construction on Jan 17 and is expected to be operational by the end of 2028.