Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Singapore (Ratification: 1965)

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2), of the Convention. In previous observations, the Committee referred to the Destitute Persons Act, 1989. Section 13 of the Act puts a work requirement on destitute persons placed in welfare homes under section 3; and section 16 envisages sanctions of imprisonment -- involving compulsory work -- for leaving a welfare home without permission.

The Committee has again noted the Government's indications that the aim is rehabilitation; there is regular review of cases; the scheme proceeds by encouragement; work includes light jobs and training; competitive wages and conditions of employment apply; and no resident is forced to work. Of 653 residents as of June 1998 (compared with 1,203 two years before), 175 were engaged in the home employment scheme and 18 in the day release work.

The Committee notes with interest the significant drop in numbers of persons subjected to the Act. It hopes the Government will indicate further developments in this respect, but also that it will take appropriate steps in the near future to bring the above-mentioned legislation into line with the Convention.