According to the Indian Embassy, there are currently 400,000 Indian nationals living and working in Singapore, up from 200,000 two years ago. Indian nationals make up almost 25 per cent of the 1.79 million foreigners and permanent residents (PR) who currently live here.

“Many Indian nationals are work permit holders with jobs in construction or marine sectors although a rising number are professionals,” said Mr Bernard Menon, centre manager of the Migrant Workers Centre, a non-governmental organisation that helps foreign workers living in Singapore on employment-related issues.