Migrant worker faces forced repatriation despite claims of harassment victimhood

Uddin MD Sharif, a Bangladeshi migrant worker and writer, faces forced repatriation after being unjustly dismissed amid harassment claims and the conclusion of police investigations.

Having endured ongoing harassment and unfounded financial accusations, Sharif was controversially dismissed by his employer earlier.

Sharif, who has contributed to Singapore’s construction industry since 2008 and authored two books, began facing problems in late January 2024 when his employer received mail falsely alleging that Sharif was indebted to a loan shark.

Sharif’s employment was terminated on 11 March. The employer claimed that both the police and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had advised them to “send him back” as a solution to the ongoing harassment issue.

A clarification posted on Facebook by MOM and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 6 April stated, “MOM did not advise the employer to terminate Mr Sharif’s employment.”

They elaborated that the employer’s daughter had sought advice due to harassment, leading to a police officer’s general suggestion that “harassment might cease if the worker left the employer.”

Sharif subsequently filed a police report, claiming he was a victim of harassment, which is now being investigated under Section 3(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act.

Moreover, after being dismissed by his former employer, Sharif attempted to secure new employment, but continued harassment undermined these efforts.

After submitting an application for Sharif’s permit, a prospective employer received a threatening message, “If he works for you, you pay!”, along with scans of Sharif’s work permit.

According to a video posted by Workers Make Possible (WMP) on Instagram, on 23 May, the Singapore Police allegedly informed Sharif that his involvement in their investigations had concluded and he would be sent back to Bangladesh.

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Sharif also shared that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) set a departure deadline of May 31 the following day.

According to Sharif, this decision contradicts earlier assurances from authorities that he could stay in Singapore to seek new employment after his investigation concluded.

Sharif’s earlier commentary on his predicament underscores the gravity of his situation: “I am currently in a situation where, even if I manage to find another job in this very short period, I expect the harassment will follow me and jeopardize my employment in the new company.”

In his latest video, Sharif said about the police investigations, “I didn’t feel like I was treated as a victim, but as if I had done something wrong,” and noted the questions asked of him, which he found insulting.

He pointed out that while he was given a special pass to stay in Singapore, he was not given documents allowing him to work.

The latest development has overwhelmed Sharif with disappointment and anxiety as his wife in Bangladesh has developed medical emergencies requiring surgery.

He said, “This is a betrayal because earlier, the authorities assured me that I would be allowed to continue working in Singapore until my case was resolved.”

Sharif’s plight prompted WMP to launch an online petition advocating for his right to remain and work in Singapore. WorkersMakePossible urged the public on Instagram: “Sharif has done nothing wrong and has suffered a lot over the last few months. Why should he be sent home and lose his livelihood for no fault of his? The authorities should give Sharif time and support to find a new job and continue his life in Singapore.”

Sharif responded to these challenges in a video, saying, “I trust the police and MOM to help me, but they let me down.”

He also articulated his dismay, “Why should I be sent home when I have done nothing wrong? I know of many other cases, but am I not allowed to stay and look for a permanent job after that?”

According to WMP, Sharif is very worried that his outspokenness on migrant workers’ issues could lead to MOM not approving his work permit application even if he secures a new job in Singapore.

When asked why Sharif was not allowed to stay in Singapore to look for a job, an ICA officer allegedly said, “I cannot reveal everything to you. My job is to send him back.”