Singapore cracks down on unlicensed foreign freelancers in creative industries, including weddings

Malaysia must have similar warning too

SINGAPORE, Sept 13 — Companies in Singapore have been told they cannot engage foreign freelancers for photography, videography, make-up and other creative services, even if the work is tied to weddings or events.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Vicpa) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reminded businesses that such arrangements are illegal under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

“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 statement said, as reported by The Straits Times.

The warning follows information received by MOM that some firms had hired foreign freelancers for wedding-related services.

Vicpa later clarified in a Facebook comment that while the advisory was written “with the wedding industry as the primary reference point, it is relevant and applicable across other industries too”.

The penalties for breaching the law are steep: foreigners caught working without a valid work pass face fines of up to S$20,000 (RM65,500), imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Companies that engage them risk the same punishment. Offenders may also be barred from working in Singapore in future.

Vicpa, which is affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress, urged businesses to support the local freelance workforce instead.

“Companies [should] engage local freelance creative professionals to support the growth and professionalism of local talents,” the association said.

Members of the public have been asked to report suspected breaches via MOM’s online portal, while foreign students can check their eligibility to work under specific exemptions.

Vicpa was established in 2021 to represent freelance and self-employed workers in Singapore’s creative content sector, with a focus on setting ethical standards and strengthening professional competencies.

This post has been edited by LuckyBai: Sep 14 2025, 09:06 PM

Apa problem?
Just duit in Malaysia / Thailand / Batam.

ktards will happily support cheap CCP services on tourist visa

CCP contractors are absolute legends - finish work in 3 days.

malaysia contractors need 1week that one also must chase, work not done properly - give bangla do, need to tell them how to do it.

Price wise the same but the peace of mind for the work to be done properly....priceless.

when caught, dun say working la.. say didn't receive any payment, just for fun only..

The next thing you know, all Singaporean weddings will be held in Jb... Book 2 Airbnb, one for groom and one for bride. Then all ceremony gaodim there. All use Malaysia vendors.. cheap cheap

This post has been edited by coolcity888: Sep 14 2025, 09:31 PM

well
if it works then do it
if it causes unforeseen circumstances then...