The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is introducing a grant under the Dormitory Transition Scheme (DTS) to support the transition of around 900 existing migrant worker dormitories to meet improved interim standards by 2030.  The grant will help to defray the costs of retrofitting existing dormitories to meet the interim standards under DTS.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced the Dormitory Transition Scheme (DTS) Grant to support existing purpose-built dormitories in upgrading their facilities to meet enhanced regulatory and living standards.

The grant is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to strengthen the safety, health, and well-being of migrant workers, while ensuring that dormitory operators are able to transition smoothly to the improved standards.

Purpose of the Dormitory Transition Scheme Grant

The Dormitory Transition Scheme Grant aims to:

• Support existing dormitory operators in complying with new and enhanced dormitory standards

• Offset part of the costs incurred for upgrading works

• Ensure continuity of accommodation supply during the transition period

• Improve living conditions, safety, and hygiene for dormitory residents

The scheme recognises that upgrading older dormitories may require significant investment and provides targeted financial assistance to facilitate compliance.

Who Is Eligible?

The Dormitory Transition Scheme Grant is intended for:

• Existing licensed purpose-built dormitories

• Dormitories that were approved under earlier regulatory requirements

• Operators who need to retrofit or upgrade facilities to meet revised standards

Eligibility criteria, qualifying works, and grant quantum are subject to MOM’s detailed guidelines and conditions.

What the Grant Supports

While specific grant details may vary, the DTS Grant generally supports:

• Infrastructure and layout improvements

• Enhancements to ventilation, sanitation, and hygiene facilities

• Safety and health-related upgrades

• Works necessary to comply with updated regulatory requirements

The grant is designed to complement, not replace, operators’ responsibility to meet baseline regulatory standards.

Why This Matters

The introduction of the Dormitory Transition Scheme Grant reflects:

• A continued commitment to raising accommodation standards for migrant workers

• A balanced regulatory approach that supports both worker welfare and industry sustainability

• Lessons learned from past public health and safety challenges in high-density housing

By providing transitional support, MOM aims to achieve better compliance outcomes while maintaining adequate dormitory capacity across Singapore.

Key Takeaway

The Dormitory Transition Scheme Grant is a targeted support measure that helps existing dormitory operators upgrade facilities and meet higher standards. It plays a critical role in improving living conditions for migrant workers while ensuring that regulatory changes are implemented in a practical and sustainable manner.

Dormitory operators are encouraged to familiarise themselves with MOM’s guidelines and timelines to make full use of the grant.

2 In September 2021, MOM announced the New Dormitory Standards (NDS) to improve public health resilience in dormitories. To help existing dormitories transition to NDS by 2040, MOM introduced the DTS which set interim standards on critical enhancements needed to strengthen infection control. These include a room occupancy cap of 12 persons, minimum living space of 3.6sqm per person, as well as the provision of ensuite toilets and isolation facilities.

3    Applications for the DTS grant will open from 1 March 2026 to 31 August 2026. All existing dormitories holding valid dormitory licences as of 28 February 2026, with leases expiring after 2033 and not on the NDS, must meet the DTS interim standards by 2030 and will be eligible for the DTS grant. A unique application link will be provided to each eligible dormitory. The key details of the DTS grant are as follows:

1. The quantum of funding for each dormitory will be determined by the type and extent of retrofitting works required (refer to Annex A).

2. To mitigate potential bed supply disruption due to bunching of dormitories undergoing DTS retrofitting, higher grant quantum will be provided for dormitories that complete retrofitting from 2026 to 2028.

4    MOM will continue to work closely with dormitory operators to coordinate the timing of their transition plans. This is to manage the simultaneous retrofitting of multiple dormitories, and minimise the level of impact on bed supply and retrofitting costs. Dormitories will need to submit their intended retrofitting schedule for MOM’s approval, and must commit to completing the works within the approved schedule.

5    All dormitories that are required to undergo DTS would have been notified by MOM.  More details on DTS and the DTS grant can be found here.