Indian Man Declared Bankrupt In Singapore Over Unpaid Wages To 400 Workers
Ramu Palani Velu, a Singapore-based Indian national and director of seven companies, has been declared bankrupt following claims of unpaid wages from over 400 migrant workers. The Ministry of Manpower intervened after workers faced issues including dormitory evictions and salary delays.
Why it matters
This case highlights the vulnerability of migrant labor populations and the legal consequences for corporate directors failing to meet payroll obligations in international business hubs.
An Indian national, who was a director of several companies owing wages to more than 400 migrant workers, has been declared bankrupt in Singapore, according to a media report.A bankruptcy order was made against Ramu Palani Velu on August 13, The Straits Times reported on Thursday. He is a Singapore permanent resident.Ramu is a director of seven local companies providing air-conditioning, plumbing and building services, including KPA Engineering, SK Industries and VVR Plant Engineering.A total of 407 workers, including Indian nationals, have lodged claims for unpaid wages, with some allegedly not receiving their salaries for more than two months.Signs of trouble emerged in 2025 when five workers from KPA Engineering separately approached the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management over unpaid wages.The cases were resolved within a week, with the workers receiving payment from their employer.
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