2 public entertainment outlets raided, 54 foreigners & 4 S'pore PRs arrested for employment violations

Enforcement operations were carried out at two public entertainment outlets in Singapore on Oct. 23, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 58 individuals under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA).

Officers from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) were involved in the raids.

Working illegally without valid work passes

Of those arrested, 32 were foreigners hired as performing artistes under the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme, but found to have worked illegally without valid work passes at the two public entertainment outlets.

The remaining 22 foreigners and four Singapore permanent residents were arrested for employment-related offences.

Additionally, two more individuals were caught for possession of e-vaporisers, and six e-vaporisers were seized.

Investigations against all parties are ongoing.

MOM announcing changes to scheme for hiring foreign performing artistes

The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme is intended for the employment of foreign performing artistes to work only in eligible public entertainment outlets for up to six months, a joint news release by MOM and SPF said.

MOM has been closely monitoring the hiring of foreign performing artistes through regular compliance and enforcement checks, the statement said.

In light of the persistent abuse, MOM has reviewed the scheme and will be announcing changes to it soon.

Penalties

Under EFMA, employers must not employ a foreign employee unless the foreign employee has a valid work pass.

Individuals convicted of employing a foreigner without a valid work pass can be fined between S$5,000 and S$30,000, or jailed for up to one year, or both.

Foreigners who are self-employed without a valid work pass may be fined up to S$20,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

Upon conviction, they will be barred from working in Singapore.

Members of the public who are aware of suspicious employment activities, or who know of persons or employers who may have contravened the EFMA should report the matter to MOM via MOM’s eService “Report an infringement”.

All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.

All photos via Ministry of Manpower