Singapore Cracks Down on Foreign Freelancers in Creative Sector

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has drawn a clear line in the sand for the nation’s creative industry, reinforcing strict employment regulations and warning businesses against hiring foreign freelancers without proper work authorization.

In a joint statement with the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Vicpa) on September 11, the ministry stressed that foreigners on tourist or student visas are legally prohibited from providing commercial services such as photography, videography, makeup, and related creative work. Local companies, too, are barred from engaging or promoting such services.

The move follows MOM intelligence that some businesses have been recruiting overseas creatives for wedding assignments and other events within Singapore. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), violators—whether workers or employers—risk fines of up to S$20,000 (RM65,440), jail terms of up to two years, or both. In addition, offending foreign nationals may face permanent bans from working or entering Singapore.

The Straits Times reported on September 13 that Vicpa’s executive secretary, Jagathishwaran Rajo, revealed a growing number of complaints from local professionals over unfair competition. He noted that Singapore creatives are burdened with higher costs and compliance obligations, including MediSave contributions, business overheads, insurance, and taxes, while many foreign freelancers bypass these responsibilities.

Local professionals argue that this creates “unfair price competition, as foreign freelancers often charge significantly lower rates” than domestic talent. The rise of social media platforms has only intensified the issue, making it easier for overseas freelancers to market their services directly to Singapore clients and circumvent regulatory oversight.

Jagathishwaran pointed out that the problem extends far beyond weddings: “unauthorised foreign freelancing extends far beyond wedding photography, encompassing various creative sectors requiring professional services including commercial photography, corporate videography, makeup artistry, and related freelance specializations.”

The association, founded in 2021 under NTUC, has begun monitoring social platforms to flag violators while also running educational efforts to ensure companies and clients understand legal hiring requirements.

“Our objective is not to stifle competition, but to uphold a fair and level playing field where Singapore’s creative talent is respected, valued and supported,” said Jagathishwaran, underlining that the focus is on protecting legitimate businesses rather than shutting out competition entirely.

For enforcement, citizens are encouraged to report EFMA violations through MOM’s eService portal, while foreign students can check eligibility guidelines at the ministry’s official site.

Through Vicpa’s advocacy and MOM’s enforcement, Singapore is signalling a firm stance: the creative economy must operate within legal frameworks that protect local talent, safeguard livelihoods, and sustain industry standards.