Some migrant workers in Singapore have taken to poetry to write about their daily struggles in an annual contest that aims to break down barriers with Singaporean society by showcasing their literary talents.

The World Bank is urging ASEAN member countries to ease labour restrictions so migrant workers can earn money overseas to boost welfare and deepen economic integration.

Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has reacted to the crisis, attempting to loosen the harsh law that spurred the exodus.

Burma’s government is keeping an eye on the situation for its migrant workers in Qatar as a diplomatic crisis has engulfed the Middle Eastern emirate, vowing to assist any Burmese nationals facing difficulties as a result of the regional upheaval.

Authorities in Thailand have pledged to study how to make living quarters for foreign workers better to improve their quality of life.

Burma said on Monday it had sent out safety instructions to its migrant workers in Malaysia after attackers hacked five of them to death with swords, weeks after it barred workers from going there, partly because of security fears.