The Singapore government has announced that it’ll end the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme after finding that it is being widely abused, an official press release from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said.
As per the ministry, the scheme, which began in 2008, was meant to help licensed bars, hotels and nightclubs hire foreign performing artistes for short-term work of up to six months. But recent checks by MOM and the Singapore Police Force showed that some non-operating entertainment outlets were misusing the scheme by hiring foreign artistes and then sending them to work at other locations.
Because of these problems, MOM said the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose. MOM said that from June 1 2026, it will stop accepting new applications under this scheme. Outlets can keep their current foreign performing artistes only until their existing passes expire or are cancelled.
The ministry notified that the decision was made after discussions with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to ensure businesses have enough time to adjust.
MOM said entertainment outlets can shift to other options, such as hiring performers on regular work passes or engaging entertainment service providers instead of employing artistes directly.
Businesses can also bring in foreign performers for short-term events under the Work Pass Exempt framework, but only if the event is supported by the government or a statutory board, or held at a recognised public performance venue.
This exemption, however, does not apply to bars, discotheques, lounges, nightclubs, pubs, hotels, private clubs or restaurants with a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence.
MOM and the Ministry of Trade and Industry said they will continue working with the SNBA to monitor changes in the nightlife sector.
