The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Monday, December 1, 2025, that it will cease the Work Permit scheme for foreign performing artistes due to widespread abuse by syndicates. Consequently, the Ministry will stop accepting new applications to hire foreign workers under the Performing Artiste Work Permit scheme from June 1, 2026.
The scheme, originally introduced in 2008, was intended to allow licensed public entertainment outlets, such as bars, hotels, and nightclubs, to hire foreign performing artistes of any nationality for short-term engagements lasting up to six months. However, recent enforcement operations carried out by the Ministry of Manpower in collaboration with the police uncovered substantial manipulation of the system. These operations revealed syndicates utilizing non-operating public entertainment outlets to fraudulently hire foreign performing artistes under the scheme. These foreign workers were subsequently released to work illegally at various other public entertainment outlets and locations, contravening the terms of their passes.
The Ministry stated that, in view of this widespread abuse, and following consultation with relevant agencies, they have concluded that the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose. Therefore, the decision was made to cease the scheme entirely.
The announcement follows increased scrutiny and compliance checks by the Ministry. For example, a joint operation conducted by the police, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Health Sciences Authority on October 23 of this year, at two public entertainment outlets, resulted in the arrest of a total of 58 individuals under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Of those arrested, 32 were foreigners who had been hired under the Performing Artiste Work Permit scheme but were found to be working illegally without valid work passes at the two raided premises. The remaining arrests included 22 other foreigners and four Singapore Permanent Residents who were detained for various employment-related offenses. Following that operation, the Ministry of Manpower had indicated that it was reviewing the scheme "in light of the persistent abuse" and would be announcing subsequent changes.
The Ministry stated on December 1, 2025, that the planned cessation arrangement was decided after consultation with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA). This consultative approach was taken to ensure that public entertainment outlets currently employing foreign performing artistes under the scheme are provided with sufficient lead time, specifically until June 1, 2026 to make alternative arrangements for their entertainment needs.
The new policy allows public entertainment outlets to retain their existing foreign performing artistes until their current work passes expire or are cancelled, ensuring a smooth transition period for current employees and businesses.
The Ministry offered several alternative options for businesses. Outlets could choose to engage entertainment services from service providers instead of directly hiring performers. Alternatively, businesses may continue to hire eligible foreign performing artistes by securing a regular work pass, which is a more permanent and compliant employment channel. Another option available is the Work Pass Exempt framework, which permits the engagement of foreigners for short-term performances. However, this exemption is restricted to events supported by a government agency or statutory board, or performances held at a designated public performance venue, with specific exclusions for bars, discotheques, lounges, nightclubs, pubs, hotels, private clubs, or restaurant venues holding a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) confirmed they will continue to partner with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association to monitor developments in the nightlife sector, ensuring ongoing support and compliance within the industry.
Comments
Post a Comment