MOM warns creative firms against hiring foreign freelancers without valid work passes

SINGAPORE: Companies in Singapore’s creative services sector have been warned not to hire foreign freelancers who lack valid work passes, following enforcement concerns raised by industry stakeholders and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

In a joint advisory issued on 11 September 2025, MOM and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore), or Vicpa, stated that foreigners on tourist or student visas are prohibited from providing freelance services in Singapore.

This includes work in photography, videography, make-up artistry, and related creative fields.

Reports of foreign freelancers working illegally

The advisory follows reports received by MOM that some firms had engaged foreign freelancers to provide services at local weddings — an arrangement that contravenes the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

Under the law, foreigners found working without a valid pass may face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

They may also be barred from entering or working in Singapore in future. Employers or clients who engage them face similar legal consequences.

The warning marks an escalation in efforts to curb illegal freelance activity in Singapore’s creative industries, which have drawn increased scrutiny in recent years due to competition concerns raised by local professionals.

Growing concern among local creatives

Vicpa’s executive secretary, Jagathishwaran Rajo, said the association had received growing feedback from Singapore-based creatives over difficulties caused by unlicensed foreign freelancers.

“Many local professionals have shared that these illegal operators undercut legitimate businesses by offering unsustainably low prices,” he said.

He noted that locally registered freelancers are subject to operational costs such as MediSave contributions, business registration fees, equipment maintenance, insurance, and taxes.

“When foreign freelancers operate outside the system, it not only breaches the law but also undermines fair market conditions,” he added.

Undercutting and social media promotion

According to Vicpa, some foreign individuals have used social media platforms to advertise their creative services directly to Singapore-based clients, arranging photography or videography assignments during short-term stays in the country.

The ease of online advertising has made such arrangements harder to detect, allowing some freelancers to evade employment regulations.

Industry professionals say the trend has also blurred accountability between clients and service providers, as many deals are made informally through direct messages rather than contracts.

Enforcement and industry education

Vicpa said it is cooperating closely with MOM to monitor potential breaches and has begun flagging social media profiles suspected of illegal activity.

At the same time, the association is stepping up education efforts to inform both clients and companies of their legal responsibilities when hiring freelancers.

“Our objective is not to stifle competition,” Vicpa said in a statement. “It is to uphold a fair and level playing field where Singapore’s creative talent is respected, valued, and supported.”

The association added that ethical hiring practices would ultimately strengthen the professional standards of Singapore’s creative community.

Penalties for offenders

Under the EFMA, any individual who employs or contracts a foreigner to work in Singapore without a valid pass commits an offence.

Offenders may face fines of up to S$20,000, jail terms of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders can face higher penalties, and foreigners found guilty will typically have their immigration privileges revoked.

MOM said enforcement officers regularly conduct inspections and follow up on reports from the public and industry partners.

Members of the public can report suspected breaches of the EFMA through MOM’s online eService portal at www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/report-an-infringement.

Foreign students seeking clarity on work eligibility can refer to MOM’s official guidance on work pass exemptions for foreign students.

Balancing enforcement with opportunity

While the warning signals a firm stance against illegal work, some industry observers have noted that the creative sector relies heavily on flexible, project-based collaboration — including with international talent.

MOM and Vicpa have clarified that legitimate engagements are still possible through proper channels, such as applying for short-term work passes or collaborating remotely from outside Singapore.

Industry players are encouraged to verify documentation before hiring and ensure compliance with relevant manpower regulations.

Strengthening professionalism in the creative sector

Vicpa, which was established in 2021 with support from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), represents freelancers and self-employed professionals in Singapore’s visual, audio, and creative content industries.

According to its website, the association promotes a code of ethics, professional development, and fair treatment across the sector.

It has also partnered with agencies such as Enterprise Singapore and SkillsFuture to help freelancers build sustainable careers and improve business resilience.

Jagathishwaran said Vicpa would continue to engage both local and foreign stakeholders to encourage responsible practices.

“The creative sector thrives on diversity and collaboration,” he said. “But that collaboration must take place within the law. Compliance ensures protection for both clients and creatives.”

Ensuring fair competition

With the continued rise of the gig economy, Singapore’s creative freelancers say the warning is timely.

Many have welcomed the advisory, calling it an important step toward protecting legitimate professionals from unfair competition.

“We want a fair ecosystem where quality and professionalism matter — not one where illegal operators drive down prices,” said a local wedding photographer, who has been in the industry for over a decade.

Industry observers say that while enforcement is necessary, greater public education about the legal implications of hiring foreign freelancers will also be key.

As Singapore’s creative economy expands, authorities are expected to maintain a balance between facilitating artistic collaboration and safeguarding local employment standards.