The new purpose-built dormitory will offer improved living conditions, privacy, and space for migrant workers.
In early 2026, a new foreign worker dormitory in Tukang Innovation Lane, Jurong, will open its doors to provide enhanced living conditions for migrant workers in Singapore. This government-owned dormitory is designed to offer more personal space and privacy, with an innovative layout that includes privacy nooks, single beds, and dedicated spaces for socializing and small-group prayers. It will house up to 2,400 workers and is part of the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) broader initiative to improve worker accommodations.
The dormitory is the first of two that will be built and owned by MOM, with another facility set to be completed in Sengkang West by mid-2028. These dormitories are designed to meet higher standards, with a cap of 12 residents per room—compared to the current typical occupancy of up to 16 residents in many existing dorms. Each resident will have a minimum of 4.2 square meters of living space, an increase from the 3.5 square meters offered in most current dormitories.
The new dormitory will also feature in-room Wi-Fi, en-suite toilets, and a fresh bed design. In each of the 210 rooms, six beds will be single-deckers, while the remaining beds will have a loft design to minimize disturbance to those sleeping below. This room layout was developed after extensive consultations with workers, NGOs, and experts, and it meets public health standards while providing workers with the privacy they seek.
In addition to better living spaces, the dormitory will offer green spaces and recreational areas to foster a homelike environment for workers. The dorm will also have practical features like communal kitchens, which can be repurposed for social activities, and multiple entry and exit points to prevent crowding. Technological advancements such as thermal scanners and digital access control systems will further enhance safety and efficiency.
MOM aims for this facility to set benchmarks for the dormitory industry, encouraging private operators to adopt similar improvements. Although the beds will come at a higher cost than those in older dorms, the pricing will be calibrated to remain competitive and aligned with industry norms. This initiative forms part of MOM’s ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of migrant workers, particularly in response to the challenges highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
