Enforcing Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 to Curb Illegal Freelance Work in Creative Sector

96 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Manpower in view of the recent joint advisory by the Ministry and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore) (VICPA) on engaging foreign freelancers without valid work passes, how will the Ministry enforce the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 to effectively curb illegal freelance work in Singapore's creative sector.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) closely monitors the issue of illegal freelancing in the creative sector. We will follow up on tip-offs and investigate complaints of such illegal services. If the complaints involve suspected foreign freelancers advertising their services on social media, we will request that these advertisements be removed.

MOM also works with other stakeholders in the ecosystem to prevent illegal freelance creative work. For example, we work with the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore) to educate companies and individuals on work pass requirements and the advantages of engaging local professionals. We also work closely with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to share information on foreigners suspected of illegal freelancing work and to deny them entry into Singapore.