Calls for policy change grow as migrant worker Md Sharif Uddin is deported despite support from Prime Minister Wong.
SINGAPORE: Activists and members of the public have expressed “sickening disappointment” after an eleventh-hour appeal to extend the stay of migrant worker Md Sharif Uddin was rejected by authorities. Despite a personal appeal to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Mr. Sharif Uddin flew back to Bangladesh on Friday morning (May 31), after his request for an extension was denied.
Kirsten Han, a human rights activist, took to social media to express her frustration, emphasizing the need to treat people with dignity and fairness. Former editor Andrew Loh also raised a critical question regarding the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) handling of the situation. He questioned why mediation between Mr. Sharif and his employer was not facilitated, especially since no evidence was found to support the claims that he had borrowed from loan sharks, a common step in resolving such disputes.
When the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) and MOM issued a joint statement confirming their decision, many commenters voiced their dissatisfaction. One individual expressed that Mr. Sharif “did nothing wrong yet had to suffer unjust treatment” and be deported, while another lamented that despite intervention from Prime Minister Wong, the situation remained unchanged, calling for a review of policies to better serve justice and equality.
Mr. Sharif, a writer and human rights activist, had worked in Singapore for 16 years before being dismissed by his employer in March after alleged harassment from loan sharks. Despite denying the accusations, an investigation was launched, which found no evidence that he had borrowed money or that the person who reportedly harassed him could be identified.
Though his work permit had ended, Mr. Sharif was allowed to remain in Singapore while the investigation was ongoing, with his special pass extended until May 31. In an attempt to secure more time in Singapore, he wrote to Prime Minister Wong and received support from local residents. Mr. Wong, in a widely appreciated move, promised to intervene by writing to the ICA. However, the authorities decided not to grant any further extension, stating that Mr. Sharif would need to reapply for a work permit if he wished to return to Singapore in the future, under the prevailing criteria.
