A STUDY ON FOREIGN WORKERS' DORMITORIES NEAR LOCAL RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Abstract

In land scarce Singapore, it is inevitable for foreign workers’ dormitories to be located near residential estates. This has triggered the “Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)” attitudes forming due to the inconveniences caused to the residents living nearby, as well as business operators in the vicinity. It could also lead to disamenities and social problems. A study on areas with foreign workers’ dormitories placed in relatively close proximity to densely populated residential estates was carried out to find out the acceptance level of the residents and business operators. Door-to-door survey questionnaires with 213 residents and 23 business operators were completed. There were also 7 in-depth interviews done with willing residents who refused to be named. Results showed that Jurong residents were less acceptable due to the large population of foreign workers in the vicinity. Jalan Kayu residents were generally more acceptable with staying close to the foreign workers due to familiarity through time. Serangoon Garden residents were generally neutral and were willing to experience the actual situation before passing any judgments. The findings also revealed residents’ views towards the feasibility of proposed measures obtained from literature reviews that could help in reducing residents’ opposition. The results served as a basis for the recommendations in this study.