Assistance for Sex Workers under COVID-19 Support Schemes and Help with Other Forms of Work to Prevent Them from Turning to Underground Prostitution

Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether sex workers have been provided with any form of assistance under the COVID-19 support schemes or allowed to engage in other forms of work to earn income; and (b) what measures are in place to prevent these workers from turning to underground prostitution.

Mr K Shanmugam: The various support schemes and training packages to assist Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who have been affected by COVID-19 are available to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria, including those who might have worked in the sex industry.

It is indeed possible that such workers and others may engage in underground illegal sexual activities, using a variety of means and fronts. The way this is dealt with is through enforcement operations against vice activities, including online vice activities and vice activities offered at other places (for example, massage establishments).