It is illegal for foreigners to engage in any form of employment without a valid work pass in most countries, and the same is true in Singapore. Foreign performers, journalists and speakers may not need work passes depending on the type of activities they are engaged in. Those who do not need passes will only need to get a Work Pass Exemption, whereas those who do not qualify for the exemptions must apply for the necessary work passes before commencing.
Read Also: Guide To Work Passes In Singapore: Work Permits, S Pass and Employment Pass (EP)
Getting A Work Pass Exemption
Persons who are going to perform these activities must be engaged to perform these activities before entering Singapore. This does not guarantee entry into Singapore – eligibility to enter will be assessed at immigration checkpoints just like other visitors to Singapore.
After entering Singapore on a valid Short-Term Visit Pass, you need to notify MOM of your intention to work in these activities in order to get a Work Pass Exemption before commencing. It is illegal to start work before making this notification.
Foreign Journalists
A foreign journalist who is engaged in activities supported by the government is exempt from applying for a work pass. This may involve covering an event or writing a story in Singapore. They only need to notify MOM for a Work Pass Exemption.
However, if the foreign journalist is not participating in government-supported work, they will need to apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass. This also applies for accompanying crew members too.
Read Also: Complete Guide To Foreign Worker Quota In Singapore: Eligibility And How To Calculate
Conference Speakers
A foreign speaker for a conference, workshop, gathering or talk only needs to notify MOM for a work pass exemption so long as the event is not related to race, religion or politics. This extends to moderators, facilitators or trainers.
However, this exemption only applies to conference speakers, and does not apply to people who are doing other forms of work to support the event, such as exhibitors, or people who are engaged in peripheral services such as cleaning or catering services.
Performers/Artistes
Performers who are performing as an actor, singer, dancer or musician, or is a key support staff in an event supported by the government, or any statutory board, or at an event held at a public performance venue such as theatres or concert halls, can notify MOM and obtain a Work Pass Exemption.
However, performers who are performing at a venue with a Public Entertainment Licence will need a Work Permit for performing artiste. Such venues include bars, discotheques, lounges and nightclubs.
Applying For Miscellaneous Work Pass
Foreign journalists and religious/political speakers will need to apply for a miscellaneous work pass in order to begin their engagements in Singapore.
The application for the Miscellaneous Work Pass must be made by the sponsor, which must be either a Singapore company, or a religious group in Singapore, or a school in Singapore. If successful, the Miscellaneous Work Pass is valid for 60 days.
Fees for application is $175.
Work Permit For Performing Artiste
Public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs will need to apply for a Work Permit for Performing Artiste. Such businesses must operate at least 6 hours a day, have a CAT 1 Public Entertainment Licence, and must employ at least 1 local employee earning the Local Qualifying Salary.
A business can employ up to 8 foreign performing artistes. Larger outlets may be able to employ up to 12, but this will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Businesses will need to pay a monthly levy of $450 for the first 8 artistes, and $750 for the remaining 4 if approved. Artistes must be above 18 years of age and must not be deployed to carry out any other jobs within the business.
Fees for application is $75, and the issuance of a work permit is $100.
Read Also: Local Qualifying Salary: 5 Things You Need To Know About LQS
Companies May Be Liable For Penalties
It is illegal to commence work without the required permits. So doing may result in fines for the individual in question, as well as the companies which engaged the individual to do the work.
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