SG Caseworkers Learn Civil Claim Strategies with JWB

JWB recently organised its inaugural Caseworker Forum and Training on cross-border civil litigation for migrant workers in Singapore. Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) sponsored the training, with HSF partner Nicola Yeomans welcoming the participants to the event.

Representatives from local and regional NGOs participated in three sessions that examined the key administrative and civil law mechanisms available to migrant workers. Trainers included Ms. Mak Moo Theng, Aquinas Law Alliance; Ms. Felicia Ong, Beacon Law Corporation; and Ms. Ostiane Goh-Livorness, HSF. Each speaker facilitated discussions among the participants on the common challenges faced when pursuing workers’ legal claims from abroad. Caseworkers also shared their experiences handling migrant worker claims, as well as best practices and strategies in their work.

In addition to discussing available Singapore remedies, JWB’s Sri Aryani and Jedrek Ng from the Philippines Department of Justice shed light on the remedies available to workers in their home countries to supplement their Singapore-based claims. These included filing complaints against agencies for false contracts, filing for compensation for unpaid wages, and claiming coverage under mandatory workers’ insurance.

The event served as a first step in fostering greater understanding of cross-border litigation and the range of remedies available to migrant workers in Singapore and their home countries. JWB will continue to support these front line organizations as they continue building their capacity to identify and bring claims. The event also afforded participants an opportunity to strengthen working partnerships with fellow organisations in the migrant worker sector and drew passionate law student volunteers who are actively involved in this field.

Finally, a sincere thank you to HSF for its continued support of JWB. The event would not have been a success without HSF’s generous sponsorship of the venue and catering and the participation of HSF lawyers and staff.