Singapore has enacted a strict prohibition against hiring foreign freelancers for creative services as of September 2025. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VICPA) jointly issued a public advisory reminding companies that it is illegal to hire foreign on tourist or student visas for freelance assignments, under existing Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) provisions. This affects creative services including photography, videography, make-up artistry, and related event work. Here’s the key information about the Singapore ban on foreign freelancers.
What’s behind Singapore’s ban on foreign creative freelancers?
The main reason for this crackdown is to protect local jobs and support the domestic freelance workforce amid growing concerns over foreign competition—especially in the creative and gigs sectors. The policy tightening and public debate around foreign workers has been fueled by complaints from Singaporean freelancers. In fact, locals have stated that wage pressure and lost business have occured when companies bypass local talent for cheaper, unlicensed foreigners.
Particularly, the rule impacts creative sectors such as weddings, but applies broadly to any industry where foreign freelancers might be sourced for local jobs.
Penalties for breaching these regulations are serious: both foreign individuals and companies can be fined up to $20,000 and face jail terms of up to two years, or even both, in addition to lifetime bans from working in Singapore for offenders.
Meanwhile, companies are not allowed to market or promote the services of such freelancers locally. The advisory followed mounting reports and complaints from Singapore-based freelance professionals about illegal competition from overseas talent, prompting a major round of enforcement and public reminders from MOM and VICPA.
Overall, authorities argue that the move strengthens job security for Singaporeans and maintains fair employment practices. Plus, members of the public are encouraged to report violations.
Who does this affect?
If foreigners are unsure of their eligibility to undertake paid work in Singapore. Here’s the groups the strict rule directly impacts:
- Foreigners on tourist visas working freelance jobs.
- Foreigners on student visas doing paid creative freelance assignments.
- Overseas creative professionals offering services in Singapore (photography, videography, makeup, events, etc.)
- Singapore companies who hire or promote foreign freelancers for local gigs or events.
- Foreign gig workers engaging in platform work.
- Wedding and event organisers sourcing foreign freelance talent without valid work permits.
Therefore, businesses are urged to verify the work pass status of any freelancers and channel all creative assignments to Singaporeans or properly authorized workers. More to come on the Singapore ban on foreign freelancers.
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