New advisory says engaging foreign freelancers without a valid work pass is illegal
Employers across Singapore are prohibited from engaging foreign freelancers to provide photography and videography services to local clients amid reports of such practices among some companies.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Vicpa) issued a joint advisory stating that such arrangements are illegal.
"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," the advisory said.
The statement came after MOM received information that some companies are engaging foreign freelancers to provide photography, videography, and make-up services for weddings in Singapore.
According to MOM, these arrangements constitute a contravention of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).
"Enforcement action will be taken against those who fail to comply," the advisory said.
Foreigners engaging in these arrangements without a valid work pass may be barred from entering and working in Singapore in the future.
They may also be fined up to $20,000, sentenced to jail for up to two years, or both.
"Those who engaged such foreigners for work may also face the same penalties," MOM warned.
Vicpa, an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress, encouraged employers to engage local freelance creative professionals.
"This would support the growth and professionalism of our local talents and uphold their fair hiring practices that comply with Singapore's laws," the advisory said.
