A migrant worker injured on the job is now stranded in Singapore with hearing loss and no income as he awaits compensation.

Injured on the Job, Left Without a Way to Recover

When 28-year-old Shamim left Bangladesh for Singapore in 2022, he came with the hope of earning enough to give his family a better life. As a shipyard worker, he contributed to infrastructure projects in the Tuas Central Business District, doing everything from piping to testing and troubleshooting.

Back home, he supports a family of seven, including his elderly parents with chronic illnesses, four siblings (only one of whom works), his wife, and their 6-year-old daughter. Of the $700 he earned monthly (including overtime), he kept only $200 for himself, sending the rest home for food, school fees, and medical expenses.

A Sudden Loss of Hearing

On 3 June 2024, around 3 p.m., Shamim was unfastening a large 3m bolt on a ship under intense heat when he suddenly lost consciousness. He had collapsed from heat exhaustion. As he fell, he struck the left side of his head and back. His colleagues lifted him with a crane off the ship to seek medical attention.

Two days later, Shamim began to experience sharp pain in his neck and back, and realized he could no longer hear. Despite his condition, his diagnostic scans were delayed three times as the employer was unwilling to cover the costs. He finally received an MRI and CT scan on 30 July, nearly two months after the injury. The diagnosis: permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Fighting for the Right to Stay

Although the incident happened at work, no official report was made. On 26 June, Shamim’s work permit was cancelled. The following day, he was scheduled for repatriation.

To advocate for his own justice, Shamim reached out to migrant support organisations and filed his work injury claim himself on 28 July, allowing him to stay in Singapore to fight for compensation. He received a Special Pass in August, which allows him to remain in Singapore for the duration of the investigation, but prevents him from working.

Living in Limbo

For six months, Shamim was issued medical leave. But in December 2024, doctors determined that no further treatment could help his hearing loss. Since then, his medical leave wages have stopped.

Now, nearly 10 months after his injury, his case remains under investigation. He is likely to remain in Singapore for another 3 to 6 months, with no income and no way to return home.

To survive, Shamim has been borrowing from friends. But with no way to repay them, those relationships have become strained. His family understands his situation, but the guilt of not being able to support them, especially as they struggle with school fees and chronic illnesses, weighs heavily on him.

“My dream? Support family. Everyone happy. Start business in Bangladesh.”

Why Your Help Is Urgently Needed

Shamim doesn’t want charity. He wants to work. But until his compensation case is resolved, he’s stuck in Singapore with no income, no support, and growing debt. Without help, he risks going hungry and unable to attend medical follow-ups.

Ray of Hope is fundraising $1,800 to support Shamim’s basic living expenses for six months while he awaits the outcome of his claim. The $300 monthly support would allow him to afford groceries, mobile top-ups, and transportation. These are the basics he needs to survive with dignity.

Once compensation is received, Shamim hopes to return to Bangladesh for a short visit to reunite with his family, before coming back to Singapore to work again.

Your support can help Shamim get through these difficult months with dignity. Please give if you can.