A scheme that allowed public entertainment outlets to hire foreign performing artistes on short-term basis will be ending after 17 years.
The Ministry of Manpower announced on Dec 1 that they will stop accepting new applications for the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) Scheme from June 1, 2026. This scheme, which started in 2008, lets businesses like bars, hotels and nightclubs hire foreigners of any nationality for up to six months.
But MOM said recent raids by them and the police found syndicates hiring foreign performing artistes for non-operational public entertainment outlets. These workers were then released to work at other outlets and locations – basically not doing what they were supposed to do lah.
The abuse was quite serious sia. On Sept 2, 17 people kena arrested in raids targeting shell public entertainment outlets. Then on Sept 21, another 32 people got nabbed. On Oct 23 alone, 58 people were arrested for breaching employment laws, with 32 of them being foreign performing artistes.
MOM explained: “In view of the widespread abuse of the scheme, MOM, in consultation with the relevant agencies, has assessed that the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose. MOM will thus cease the scheme.”
Don’t worry, existing foreign performing artistes can continue working until their passes expire or are cancelled. After that, businesses need to find alternative arrangements – either engage entertainment services from service providers instead of hiring directly, or hire eligible artistes on regular work passes.
Foreigners can still be engaged for short-term performances under the Work Pass Exempt framework, but only for government-supported events or those held at proper public performance venues – not at bars, discos, lounges, nightclubs, pubs, hotels, or restaurant venues with a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence.
MOM said they will continue working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Singapore Nightlife Business Association to monitor the nightlife sector moving forward.
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