SINGAPORE - The authorities will be scrapping the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme after over 17 years due to widespread abuse.

The scheme, which allows licensed public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs to hire foreign performing artistes on a short-term basis of up to six months, was introduced in 2008.

But recent enforcement operations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and police uncovered syndicates abusing it, with these ‘artistes’ found working at other public entertainment outlets as ‘freelance hostesses’.

On Dec 1, MOM announced the scheme will cease from June 1, 2026.

It will stop accepting applications after that, but public entertainment outlets may retain their existing foreign performing artistes until their passes expire or are cancelled.

MOM said syndicates were using shell public entertainment outlets that were not operational to hire foreign performing artistes under the scheme.

MOM said: “In view of the widespread abuse of the scheme, MOM, in consultation with relevant agencies, has assessed that (it) is no longer serving its original purpose. MOM will thus cease the scheme.”

It added that it had consulted the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to provide sufficient lead time for public entertainment outlets that currently hire foreign performing artistes under the scheme, to make alternative arrangements.

Businesses can engage entertainment services from service providers instead of hiring performers directly.

Alternatively, they can continue to hire eligible foreign performing artistes on a regular work pass, said MOM.

Foreigners can also be engaged by businesses for short-term performances under the Work Pass Exempt framework.

But this only applies to events su...