The Migration Industry in Asia by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789811396946
Publisher: Springer Singapore

Agency D (Training)

Agency D initially commenced their operations in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) after which they relocated to Tamil Nadu. Due to the competition for skilled migrants from Tamil Nadu, their main base for recruitment remains in Andhra Pradesh though. As they explained: “We expanded slowly and now operate with subagents across AP and Tamil Nadu.” While talking to the office manager in charge (Kavya), several of these subagents walked in and joined the conversation. Kavya stressed that the recruitment is mainly done by word of mouth. Persons the agency has worked with before or their clients have “good experience with” are a usual source of potential migrant labor. “We also accept references from our ex-candidates only and will not accept fresh candidates.” If the agency faces a shortage, they may advertise in local newspapers but only as a last resort.

Since 2007, the agency has solely been in the business of recruiting migrants for Singapore. Recruitment orders tend to come in bulk, and it is always a challenge to find the right match in terms of skills and experience. Kavya gave as an example a recent recruitment order of 94 persons; of the workers the agency had suggested to their Singaporean counterpart, 34 had been rejected for various reasons. In order to reduce the chance of having candidates rejected the agency prefers working with so-called U-turners who have been to Singapore before. Singapore-based clients tend to prefer these since they have already been exposed to Singaporean work standards and have completed their previous contract of 24 months. In order to make sure there is a direct match between the requirements of the Singaporean client and skills set of the migrant workers, the agency runs two training institutes in the outskirts of Chennai. At a time, 250 students can be accommodated here; a canteen and hostel are located on the grounds as well. Depending on the length of the course required, the agency charges Rs. 2000–5000. Furthermore, Kavya explained: “Post training skill evaluation tests will be conducted and client’s HR will conduct interviews at the training venue itself.” Since the institute often recruits workers who are not well-versed in the English language, English language training is part of the curriculum as well. “Training will be done on comprehensive writing pattern where passage will be provided and later questions will be asked from it.”

The Work Permit holders this agency manages to send to Singapore make in-between S$400 and 1200. The Indian agency considers one month’s salary there fee, while the Singaporean counterpart collects two months’ salary. She went on to list certain stipulations that come with migrant worker contracts such as S$120 leave allowance if the worker does not take a day off per calendar month (besides the four days he is entitled to). In particular, it is working overtime that might make it worth going to Singapore. A workweek of 44 hours is the norm, but if there is an opportunity to work more “1.5 of basic salary will be paid.

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