SHORT-TERM WORK PASSES IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

SHORT-TERM WORK PASSES IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

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Mr Calvin Cheng asked the Minister for Manpower given that foreign professionals in the creative and entertainment industries who want to work in Singapore on a freelance or short-term basis are only subject to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s approval for short-term Social Visit Passes, whether the Ministry has any plans to issue short-term work passes, to be assessed on work-related criteria, to these professionals in line with other jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and Japan.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: A Social Visit Pass does not entitle the holder to work in Singapore. Foreigners who wish to work in Singapore regardless of duration and whether they have a formal relationship with a local employer or not are required to obtain a work pass from MOM.

There is, however, a provision that allows for foreigners carrying out very specific short-term work assignments in Singapore to be exempted from the formal work pass regime. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification 2008, foreigners intending to carry out work in certain creative and entertainment industries need only file a one-page e-notification to MOM. To facilitate these workers to work in Singapore on a short term basis, MOM does not issue a formal work pass to them but allows them to perform the activities during the duration of their Social Visit Pass, subject a maximum of 60 days. Beyond the 60 days, these foreigners would need to apply for a formal work pass. Alternatively, these foreigners may apply for a work pass straight at the onset. Work passes will be granted on the merit of each application. Applications for the various work passes can be done online on MOM website.

The list of exempted work activities is limited to eight areas: including performing as an actor, singer, dancer or musician at a public area or activities relating to any location filming or fashion show involving actor, model or director.

Outside this exempt list, foreigners who intend to work here are still required to obtain a work pass from MOM.

MOM currently has no plan to revise the list.