Migrant Dreams: Bangladeshi Workers in Singapore - REWIND
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- čas přidán 9. 01. 2017
- 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."
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This story was highlighted by Al Jazeera which is based in Qatar. I remember reading about Qatar's appalling treatment of Indian and Bangladeshi workers as well. So the question is why doesn't Al-Jazeera shine a spotlight on it's own government and people’s poor record of treating these migrant workers with dignity and respect.
At least they told their story. Do you expect BBC to do this kind of story?
That's why they made Al Jazeera.
tvee
It would have to completely secret filming in Qatar Dubai etc. Although they did some filming in Dubai and it was terrible
those migrant worker in qatar are given their fair due.
Cray On No they have not.
Go to these credible websites to see stories on Qatar's abuse of migrant workers.
Singapore hasn't done the best for it's migrant workers and the report is very true. I support the story being told.
However, I would love to see Al Jazeera do a similar story on Qatar's migrant workers. Then only will I say Al Jazeera is unbiased and reports fairly.
www.theguardian.com › World › Development › Qatar
www.huffingtonpost.com/news/qatar-migrant-workers/
edition.cnn.com/.../qatar-world-cup-2022-migrant-rights-crisis-amnesty-international/
www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33019838
thanks a lot Al Jazeera for covering such a true story of Bangladeshi helpless people.
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.
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?
It's high time to do something for our Bangladeshi workers.
send them to middle east
don't have kids more than 2. That'll solve the problem.
Develop your country, have not more than two children with a gap of five years, and invest in education. Identify the corrupt people.
@@330MillionGods That is even worse.
@Mo Chow France 1.96 Bangladesh 2.16 . Not big difference.
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?
I feel bad for anyone who is a migrant worker in Singapore or any Arab country.
I feel bad for your English teacher.
Ash A not all employers are like that. Don't make a general sweeping statement
Ash A agree with you but in Kuwait, Doha & Abu Dhabi there's a big chance they will live a great life when it comes to salary.. many migrants are earning more money than 20% of locals there and the unbelievable money transfers via those workers to their home country shows that clearly, most unfortunate workers are actually suffering because there are many greedy (mafia alike groups) they take money from those poor people as they manage to handle them a working visa in gulf region!
Tiger ezpi wow. Someone needs a lesson in empathy and humanity.
Ashwini Gupta people should love their people before migrants
Honest reporter... Good job bro...
The world sucks for poor people :(
Always poor people suffer so much... My heart goes out for this workers and their families!
What about Bangladeshi dreams in Dubai or Doha? Or did Singapore come to mind first for you guys
shame on such a developed country
Singapore is not developed
@@NoChinaforever17 HAHAHAHAH WHAT
Unfortunately this happens everywhere
@@NoChinaforever17 so is yours
Would be nice to if someone could set up a gofundme to help that man, I felt bad seeing his wife cry like that.
pimpgreen8989 GoFundMe doesn't work in poor countries... the world is not for the poor people :)
is a shame that, in Singapore, companies are not paying a proper salary though those workers are working hard.
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.
Totally agreed, do not work for Indian bosses.
Tnq Al jajirah
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
They are hero of our nation😍😍😍
Horrible situations, i am praying all of guys family and children's..
Really sad story.
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.
Actually, you should have downloaded a ride-hailing app to book a ride. People hardly flag down cabs in Singapore for the past 5 years.
@@thewylicious I'll bare that in mind for me t time... We were only there for 1 night.
Love form Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
I really shocked, but it's true.
These guys just want to take shortcuts in life, borrow money to come to Singapore? They never been taught do not spend if you cannot afford.
its too lucrative, this kind of thing will never stop
Well Qatar also has very poor immigrant work policies as well. Its doubtful aljazeera will do one for their own nation.
Qatar is even worse Migrant labour is treated as unholy filth, their passports confiscated, crammed into tiny dormitories in that fever heat, tossed about here and there by local bosses, refused leave when sick, and o god the miseries go on and on...... and ......and .... al Jazeera comes all the way to Singapore to reveal crimes against labour...... really, really its just too tooo rich
people forget that we will all reap what we sow
still it's going on ....all over the World.
Damm and they said Singapore is a strict fine city.
The director Ganesh is scam. Mob boss
I heard that all these workers got at least one handphone.
2:15 This guy is handsome.
It is something that is not new to the people of Bangladesh
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.
What happened to him now?
al Jazeera English or any body else can you please provide me how to get in touch with this guy I would like to help him get back on his feet thank you.
Moe Abdi where r u from?
The Singaporean government should scrutinize and prevent the recruiters exploiting the foreign workers in Singapore.
i wonder when aj will document qatar's human rights violation
And also dubai ....
Typical problem not just happen in singapore but also happen to other nation..... Employer abuse their worker.... Gov of worker source really need to take action in providing protection to their citizen.
Agree. But you need to know one thing, the Singapore government is famous for their effectiveness and efficiency in managing and governing the country, but how can this happen whereby the migrant workers are treated so unfairly? I am from Malaysia, and everyone always look up on how good the Singapore government is, but after all these documentary, my opinion has changed of the Singaporean government
where ever you go, as a migrant is the same. even at your own country. bad and evil is a person not a country. peace from Malaysia ☺
random..the reporter kind of looks like an American actor named George Lindsey, as Goober Pyle on the Andy Griffiths Show..😑
Bangladesh Government have to ensure the right of our worker
The govt of singapore should do something so that the worker get a fair treatment.
i used to be there in singapore bangaldeshi are called bangla.
why do people give big money to unerupted agents?? with 400 dollars they can do many businesses in Bangladesh. they can get world-class skills for 4000 dollars. choosing better options decision making should be taught at all school
Shame on Singapore for not paying wages to the employees.
Poor immigrants everywhere are treated very similar and are the most vulnerable.
Ladies and Gentlemen This is Our Governments policy . PAP
Make Singapore Malay Again! *grabs popcorn*
whatever....
make another Malaysian airline drop into the seas again! *grabs popcorn*
Luqman Nazery it will be so ugly
go read singapore pledge bye
Luqman Nazery should British took those Chinese immigrants as their citizen
Those immigrants will be satisfied with British accommodation
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
This is modern day slavery. Same story in Dubai. These countries stand up on the foot of these labours.
What about in Qatar ?? Still Bangladeshi can't get Visit visa or Business visa fro Qatar ... it's not equal attitude :(
makes me think about how the pyramids were built.
Same problem in Qatar
How come the payment for 6 months work is less than the amount they borrowed what was the point in going there if they end up owing money.
I don't get it. They pay $9000 to make $400 a month ? Where's the deal ?
They thought their debt would be clear in 2 yeara
Healing permanent ear damage?
We are really sorry our people...
first
They spent a lot of money to move to other countries. They can stay at their home and do something there itself. Soon they will make Singapore, just like Bangladesh.
this corporate really exploitation, i got no idea why they also think people can sleep like these.
sad
Only the best become supervisor or safety officer n learn more than $2k or more
shame on Singapore.... Always thought it's a beautiful country, but not. Ismael is a very nice guy, your family is beautiful. salam Aleikom from Morocco. Insha allah everything will be sorted out for you all .
soufianenz its more in gulf or middle east but alzajeera never shows as its islamic channel😁
By right the people who employ you should pay all travel costs it should not cost you money to go work for them. But when it is low skill labour that's really the problem
Bangladesh Government is responsible for do something
just cross the border to KL, i saw many south asian got better jobs, able to spent more and contribute to KL economy.
definitely dude, its not like the maids are safe here though. btw have u done anything innovative lately with all the maids rape going on there? lol
Love for Ishmael
But how come humanity lost its grip. What is going on in the world is sheer wickedness. I wonder if some people have concience at all? Didnt their plight concern their employers that he has not paid them for six months. God will judge I bet u.
Banglas are everywhere in many countries...nothings new
Somebody would have been messed up for life if they did something like this to me. Anything bad that happens to the boss or recruiter is well deserved. You don't treat people like this. I felt so bad for his wife! She was really pretty too. It's just really heartbreaking to see her cry over her daughter like that. As a man, I couldn't even begin to think about how my wife would feel about me (as a man) if did something so drastic to our lives. But the truth is here. This guy was a victim. I pray that karma bring justice to these crooks.
Real sis ter
Why singapore not using indonesia worker
singapore governmant support like and help love to bangladeshi innocent worker because bangladeshi worker honest good hard worker respect each other
without foreign workers who do those dirty jobs, they should be given protections by the government of Singapore who saving labor from thi people.
Wow ...saying Singapore employers like terrorist treating their victims....
indian many country not good..in malaysia also indian not good.that's why many malay people dont give face to they
I am Bangladeshi but somany have unligle agency. Plase dont give fast money any agency
👊..act as a "gangster".
SHAME ON U..
Oppressing the poor..!!
😢
It is cheaper to go to India where no agent is required.
lol.. its not all about witness.. its about singapore govt. (MOM) always take side of Singaporean.. not of international workers..or good justice..
You come to Singapore 4-6 laks taka
Very sad to know poor Singaporen people and government has no rules for migrants
for Singaporean.. salery is like in huge and Singaporean need I.T professional from another countries that why they settle salery more than 7000 dolors month..
and for poor people .. who work hard and need really job.. they settle salery 600 Dollors a month..
imagines. how they suffer ??
just bcoz they are poor,, Singaporean govt and people drink their blood..and pay in penny.
Income money in Singapore as hard as you lost your kidney
Here is the problem …. Of course he was right; but being right isn’t what’s in your best interest … His brother in-law was correct by saying that they went through all this hardship to send him to Singapore now they have nothing to show for it … The wisest course of action is always to see where your interests lie, the guy who got slapped was clever … If it was me the least I would have done is make sure I don’t leave Singapore with a loss, tried to make connections to secure a different job afterwards.
Modern society slavery! Very sad!
This kind a such liar bosses , try to came in batam indonesia ,i will gave a good lesson
Nanang give him good lessonin Batam
That "Boss" looks like a thug
1:42 If I had 6200 USD I'd have happily done a tour of Southeast Asia
This man face said lied ,can see how he talk and he always moved his head and body
Humans are so rotten to each other.
Why does he want money back from the agent he got paid what he was owed from the boss in Singapore
work somemore at singapork la