Singapore to end work permit scheme for foreign performing artists from June 2026
Singapore will end its Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme from 1 June 2026, citing widespread misuse of the programme by syndicates and non-operating entertainment outlets. According to The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the country will stop accepting new applications under the scheme from that date, while existing permit holders can continue working until their passes expire or are cancelled.
Why Singapore is ending the scheme
The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme was introduced in 2008 to allow licensed public entertainment outlets, such as bars, hotels and nightclubs, to hire foreign performing artistes of any nationality for short-term stints of up to six months.
However, MOM said recent enforcement operations carried out with the Singapore Police Force uncovered abuse of the scheme. Investigations found syndicates linked to non-operating public entertainment outlets hiring foreign performers and then releasing them to work at other locations.
“In view of the widespread abuse of the scheme, MOM, in consultation with relevant agencies, has assessed that the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose,” the ministry said.
What changes from June 2026
From June 1, 2026, MOM will no longer accept new applications to hire foreign workers under the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme. Businesses that already employ foreign performing artistes under the scheme can retain them until their permits expire or are cancelled.
MOM said the decision was made after consultations with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to give businesses enough time to adjust and make alternative arrangements.
Options for businesses and performers
The ministry said public entertainment outlets can switch to engaging entertainment services through service providers instead of hiring performers directly. Employers may also continue to hire eligible foreign performing artistes using regular work passes.
Foreigners can still be engaged for short-term performances under the Work Pass Exempt (WPE) framework for government-supported events, statutory board events, or performances held at public venues. However, this exemption does not apply to bars, nightclubs, lounges, pubs, hotels, private clubs or restaurants holding a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence.
MOM said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the SNBA to monitor developments in Singapore’s nightlife sector following the move.
Why Singapore is ending the scheme
The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme was introduced in 2008 to allow licensed public entertainment outlets, such as bars, hotels and nightclubs, to hire foreign performing artistes of any nationality for short-term stints of up to six months.
However, MOM said recent enforcement operations carried out with the Singapore Police Force uncovered abuse of the scheme. Investigations found syndicates linked to non-operating public entertainment outlets hiring foreign performers and then releasing them to work at other locations.
“In view of the widespread abuse of the scheme, MOM, in consultation with relevant agencies, has assessed that the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose,” the ministry said.
What changes from June 2026
From June 1, 2026, MOM will no longer accept new applications to hire foreign workers under the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme. Businesses that already employ foreign performing artistes under the scheme can retain them until their permits expire or are cancelled.
MOM said the decision was made after consultations with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to give businesses enough time to adjust and make alternative arrangements.
Options for businesses and performers
The ministry said public entertainment outlets can switch to engaging entertainment services through service providers instead of hiring performers directly. Employers may also continue to hire eligible foreign performing artistes using regular work passes.
Foreigners can still be engaged for short-term performances under the Work Pass Exempt (WPE) framework for government-supported events, statutory board events, or performances held at public venues. However, this exemption does not apply to bars, nightclubs, lounges, pubs, hotels, private clubs or restaurants holding a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence.
MOM said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the SNBA to monitor developments in Singapore’s nightlife sector following the move.
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