Singapore – Nur Shukrina Salam, 27, is the sole full-time lawyer at the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC (MWLC), a legal clinic open five days a week. She provides free consultations on employment issues, criminal cases, and other legal matters to the migrant worker community.
A Calling to Serve
Ms. Shukrina’s connection to the migrant worker community began in childhood, observing their volunteerism and hearing stories from her father about those facing wage theft. While studying law at Singapore Management University in 2020, she and three classmates developed a free online salary calculator to assist migrant workers navigating employment disputes.
After working as a legal associate, Ms. Shukrina joined the MWLC in April 2025, accepting a pay cut to work with Pro Bono SG. The clinic was established by the Migrant Workers’ Centre and Pro Bono SG.
Balancing Passion and Pragmatism
Ms. Shukrina expressed a deep sense of purpose in her work, stating, “If there are not enough people helping them (migrant workers), then I lend my skills and resources to where they are required most.” She acknowledged her father’s concerns about her career path, but remains committed to her chosen field, saying, “Since I graduated from law school, I’ve set the expectation with my family that I’m not going to be a rich lawyer, and that’s okay.”
She currently holds a Master of Laws from Duke University and is preparing for marriage in 2026.
Navigating Complex Cases
Ms. Shukrina handles three to four consultations daily, with approximately one-third conducted in English and the remainder requiring an interpreter. She recounted securing a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for an Indonesian domestic worker accused of illegal remittances, and assisting an Indian healthcare worker navigating an insurance claim after the death of his wife. She also described a situation where she had to abruptly end a video consultation with an Indian driver who feared being discovered seeking legal advice at his workplace.
Her work extends beyond the clinic, as she also meets with migrant workers via video calls.
A Call for Understanding
Ms. Shukrina hopes to raise awareness of the MWLC’s services and emphasized the importance of recognizing migrant workers as individuals. “Beyond the work they do here, they are individuals. They are sons, fathers, husbands. As much as there may be cultural differences… It’s important to treat them like any other human being,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC provide?
The centre provides free consultations on employment issues, criminal cases, and other legal matters to migrant workers.
When is the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC open?
The centre is open five days a week.
What motivated Ms. Shukrina to grow a lawyer at the MWLC?
Ms. Shukrina felt a calling from a young age to help society’s underserved and believed she could best utilize her skills by assisting the migrant worker community.
How might increased awareness of resources like the MWLC impact the experiences of migrant workers in Singapore?
