“I was brimming with delight when I received the approval to work in Singapore as a Key Account Manager for a convenient store,” recalls 30 year old Thilagavathy Subramanian Rasihaa.

“It was really difficult to get a job back in India. I have lost count in the job applications that I’ve sent out and I even tried my luck at different industries but no company called me up.”

“I have also applied for a few jobs with the Indian government, an agency called. So, I went through many of their stringent exams which they made all candidates go through for that one position.” “The Indian government is very strict and enforced an examination based criteria for job seekers so they can find the right fit.”

“This stringency in the job market is common in modern India, as we are experiencing an overflow of graduates each year. There aren’t many new job openings to support these new breed of workers sadly.” said Thilaga who has a degree in Economics.

After trying in vain for a few months, Thilaga finally approached an agent who helps the jobless in Chennai with their dire predicament.

“You can imagine the joy when I heard there are job opportunities in Singapore, I immediately took it! I heard so many good things about Singapore from friends who have worked there. I told my husband that this is a rare opportunity for me, he was supportive.”

“I will miss my husband and family for sure, but in order to support my family, I really need to give it a shot. Even if I’m able to find a job in India, the salary will not be enough for sustenance.”  

It was with positive expectations and a forward-looking attitude when Thilaga embarked on her journey to Singapore. She was promised a monthly salary of $4,500 and was here on an Employment Pass holder.

Things took an unexpected turn, after working for a month when her employer asked back $2,700 from her $4,500 salary which was deposited via GIRO. She was stunned, her employer explained that this is the process that all EP holders have to follow.  

This went on for a year. The Ministry of Manpower raided the convenient store chains and seized numerous kickback cases of migrant workers, Thilaga was one of the workers caught.

After a series of trials and investigations, together with the help from MWC’s escalation of her case to MOM. Thilaga was fortunately, found not guilty as she is not aware of the rightful employment practices in Singapore.

“I was so afraid that I’m not able to go back home, my husband and family would be worried sick.” She said with a mixture of anguish and joy. “Kavitha has certainly helped me a lot, I was comfortable in sharing my story as we conversed in Tamil. She listened with care and attentiveness and raised the case to MOM immediately.”

“After this incident, it didn’t break any fragment of my confidence and impression of Singapore. This country holds many dreams and possibilities for someone who has nothing back home.”

“I would very much like to get my husband here and we can start a family.” Thilaga said with a dash of hope and twinkle in her eyes. 

Reported by Specialist, Kavitha Sundram Rajoo