Romantic liaisons between foreign workers on the rise

Man sees girl. He scribbles his contact number on a piece of paper and throws it to her. If she is interested, she will SMS him.

Or he flashes a winsome smile at a prospect. A conversation follows if she responds and phone numbers are exchanged. This is how foreign workers here - mostly those who are on work permits - pair off for possible romance in popular hangout spots such as Lucky Plaza and Little India.

Apparently, many do hit it off. Over the past two Sundays, when The Sunday Times visited the two areas, foreign men and women holding hands were a common sight.

Ms Remy B., 28, a Filipino maid, said Lucky Plaza is favoured by foreign men - mostly from India or Bangladesh - on the prowl for Filipina or Indonesian maids. The slim-built Ms Remy, who is single, has had men coming up to her to ask her for her number. 'But I don't want a boyfriend. I'm here to work.'