Thu Sep 12 00:50:53 UTC 2024: ## Pope Francis Urges Singapore to Ensure Fair Wages for Migrant Workers
**SINGAPORE** – During his final major speech of a 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis urged Singaporean political leaders to prioritize fair wages for the country’s million-plus foreign workers.
Speaking to a gathering of politicians, religious and civil leaders, the Pope expressed concern for Singapore’s rapidly aging population and its large migrant workforce, predominantly employed in construction and domestic services.
“I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly… as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers,” he said. “These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage.”
As of December 2023, there were 1.1 million foreign workers in Singapore on work permits earning less than S$3,000 ($2,300) per month, including significant numbers of domestic workers and construction laborers.
The Pope’s call for fair wages was welcomed by the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, a local NGO that provides services for migrant workers. The Singaporean workforce ministry has yet to comment on the Pope’s remarks.
The Pope’s visit to Singapore, where he met with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, included a celebration of Mass at the national sports stadium that drew an estimated 50,000 attendees.
During the visit, Pope Francis also praised Singapore’s efforts to combat climate change, calling it a model for other countries. He lauded the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of its natural environment.
Francis, who prioritizes visiting countries where Catholics are a minority, is only the second pope to visit Singapore. His trip follows a brief layover by Pope John Paul II in 1986. The Pope concludes his 12-day tour, which also included stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor, on Friday. He is expected to return to Rome.
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