SINGAPORE – Companies in industries such as those involving photography, videography and make-up services are not allowed to engage foreign freelancers for clients in Singapore. In a joint advisory to industry stakeholders on Sept 11, the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore) (Vicpa) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said: “Foreigners on tourist or student visas are not allowed to perform such work in Singapore, and companies cannot engage them to provide services to clients, nor promote their services.” This follows information received by MOM that some companies have engaged foreign freelancers to provide creative services for weddings here, the statement added.

Such work arrangements are illegal, and constitute a contravention of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

Foreigners found working in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both . Those who have engaged such foreigners for work may also be subjected to such penalties.

Foreigners found working without a valid work pass may also be barred from entering and working in Singapore.

Vicpa, an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress, also encouraged companies to engage local freelance creative professionals to support the growth and professionalism of local talents.

The public can report a contravention of the EFMA, the public can visit MOM’s eService portal on

www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/report-an-infringement

Those under student visas may refer to MOM’s website on

www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students

for more information on their eligibility for work.

More to come.

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