Welcome to ACMI: Empowering Migrants in Singapore
Embarking on the final leg of his Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis shines a light on the migration situation in Singapore. Jacob Soo, the Executive Director at the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI), shares insights on the challenges faced by foreign workers and how ACMI is addressing them.
By Claudia Torres – Singapore
Jacob Soo, from ACMI Singapore, sheds light on the difficulties foreign workers encounter in Singapore. He delves into the efforts made by ACMI to mitigate these challenges as Pope Francis visits the country.
Jacob Soo: ACMI serves all migrants in Singapore, regardless of background, with a mission to embrace, shield, integrate, and enhance their lives. Our focus is to embody the Good Shepherd’s compassion towards all migrants in the city-state.
Singapore faces a complex migration landscape driven by economic and population growth. As of June 2023, the population stands at 592 million, comprising 415 million residents and 177 million non-residents.
Migrants are essential to Singapore’s economy, bridging labor gaps, enhancing productivity, and infusing new skills and expertise. They also contribute to cultural diversity, fostering inclusivity. To address social integration, housing, and infrastructure, the government has implemented policies such as work passes and employment regulations.
Managing migration is crucial for harmonizing economic prosperity with social cohesion. With around 152 million foreign workers as of December 2023, Singapore attracts talent from various regions like Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
The public’s attitudes towards migrants in Singapore are varied, reflecting both the benefits and challenges of migration. While residents acknowledge the economic advantages and cultural richness brought by migrants, concerns about job competition and social cohesion persist.
ACMI actively supports foreign workers, addressing barriers like language, cultural adaptation, social isolation, and legal unfamiliarity. Through partnerships with stakeholders, ACMI fosters integration and inclusivity, creating a supportive environment for migrants.
Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore holds great significance, emphasizing unity and hope in a diverse society. ACMI hopes the visit will amplify its mission of empowering migrants, promote interfaith dialogue, strengthen community bonds, and foster compassion and empathy across all backgrounds.
As Pope Francis advocates for migrants’ rights and dignity, ACMI stands as a beacon of support for migrants in Singapore, guided by a vision of embracing, protecting, integrating, and enriching the lives of all migrants in the city-state.
