Singapore Revokes Short-Term Work Permits for Foreign Performers

Singapore will stop issuing short-term work permits to foreign performers at public entertainment venues. The change follows government investigations that found criminal groups were abusing the scheme. The Ministry of Manpower announced the policy will end in June. It currently allows performers from places like China, Taiwan, and Malaysia to get permits for up to six months. This shift has left some local organizers scrambling. For nearly two years, the HaveFun Live Show has featured foreign performers six nights a week for hundreds of guests. Its management now faces uncertainty in replacing its acts. The ministry stated the decision resulted from enforcement operations that uncovered syndicate abuse. No further details on the abuse were provided. The move aims to tighten control over the foreign work pass system.