“How is that possible?” Jessica hissed in disbelief. “Why would he continue to work for free all these months?”

“Every time he broaches the subject, his boss will hand him $50 or $100, and make him sign for those. It’s a rather common deflect-and-defer strategy,” Omala explained. “Majumder had to pay $5,000 in agent’s fees to fly over. He was already waist-deep in debt before he started work. That was the reason he hesitated for so long before he approached the authorities. He didn’t want to risk antagonising his boss, who can easily cook up an excuse to repatriate him.”

“And guess what happened after he made the report?” Krison interjected. “The boss changed the locks to the dormitory and confiscated his belongings, leaving him instantly homeless and jobless.”

Jessica felt, beyond the shock and horror, a deep sense of betrayal. She had grown up believing she lived in a country that practised justice and equality. Singapore was well known for being corruption-free. It was inconceivable that the system would allow this injustice to go unpunished.

“It’s a matter of time before MOM sets things right. He just has to be patient,” Jessica opined.

Omala and Krison both shook their heads, a pair of identical wry smiles on their lips.

“The arbitration process is mired in red tape and unlikely to get them what they deserve,” Omala said, her tone hardened and resigned. “Many of them run out of money while waiting for a settlement, admit defeat and have to borrow money from fellow migrant workers to fly home. Once they leave the country, the MOM case files are closed. And the same employer continues to hire.”

“This is so sad,” Andreae purred, directing her sorrowful eyes at Krison.

Jessica found her friend’s affectation almost as unbearable as the indignation simmering in her. She turned to look at the two migrant workers again and asked, “What’s the other guy’s story?”

“Bhimul? Before he flew in, he signed an IPA—an In-Principle Approval—that promised a construction job paying $1,600 per month, which is decent enough,” Omala said. “But when he reached Singapore, the company assigned him a job as a gardener with a salary for only $750 and made him pay for his own meals and transport. It was a total mismatch.”

“But the IPA is in black and white,” Jessica argued. “The employer can’t possibly get away if he fails to deliver.”

“Yes he can, unfortunately.” Omala sighed. “Whenever MOM arranges for mediation, the employer simply refuses to agree on any sum of compensation for Bhimul. So the authorities have to arrange for yet another mediation session several weeks down the road. The game plan is to wear Bhimul down until he uses up all his savings, gives up and goes home defeated.”