SINGAPORE - The employer of more than 400 migrant workers who have not been paid for months has returned to Singapore and is assisting with investigations, Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said on Sunday (June 28).

Mr Ramu Palani Velu, a Singapore permanent resident, has had his passport impounded, the ministry said, as reported by CNA.

He is a director of KPA Engineering and SK Industries and is also listed as a director of five other Singapore companies, including VVR Plant Engineering, whose workers have similarly reported unpaid wages.

The firms are involved in air-conditioning repair, plumbing and construction services.

Mr Dinesh said the Ministry of Manpower takes a serious view of breaches of the Employment Act and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, adding that enforcement action would be taken where necessary.

“These are very serious offences, and I hope our employers will be able to support our migrant workers and workers in general,” he said.

He added that affected workers should approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management to recover unpaid wages.

Earlier this week, hundreds of workers from KPA Engineering and SK Industries had sought help over delayed salary payments, with more than 100 also turning up at MOM’s service centre at Bendemeer.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) have stepped in with emergency assistance.

Each affected worker will receive S$200 in cash and vouchers, subject to membership or registration with MWC.

Labour chief Ng Chee Meng said more than 80 companies have offered close to 400 job vacancies for affected workers.

He said placements are expected to begin next week as part of a coordinated relocation effort.

Mr Dinesh said about 20 workers have already secured new jobs, with the majority expected to be placed within two to three weeks.

He also thanked MWC and the Singapore Contractors Association for mobilising job opportunities.

Around 230 workers currently staying at Tuas View Dormitory will be moved to an onboarding centre in Sengkang, where accommodation and meals will be provided.

Temples, the Hindu Endowments Board and the Hindu Advisory Board have also provided support in the form of care packages.

Mr Dinesh said the aim was to help workers return to normalcy during a difficult period.

On Sunday, about 280 affected workers took part in recreational activities at the Kranji Recreation Centre, including watching a World Cup match.

The centre also provided food, including chicken briyani, which was distributed by Mr Dinesh.

Several workers said they had begun attending job interviews and were awaiting placement with new employers.

One worker, Mr Aruraj Edison Raj, said he had worked in Singapore since 2019 and had not received three months of salary.

He said he had attended two interviews and was waiting for a transfer letter before joining a new company.

He added that while support had helped him cope, he remained worried about his family back home.

A Bangladeshi worker, Mr Kawsar, who has worked in Singapore for 25 years, said he had also attended interviews and was hoping for a new job placement.

He said he and his colleagues only realised something was wrong when the employer stopped sending job schedules.

He described the emotional strain of being unable to support his family for months, saying his children often asked when he would be paid.

He said he had food and accommodation for now but remained anxious about his family’s financial situation.