Singapore to end work permit scheme for foreign performing artistes from June 2026: What it means for nightlife, businesses and performers

Singapore is pulling the plug on its foreign performing artistes work permit scheme from June 2026—here’s how the move will impact nightlife venues, businesses and performers.

Singapore is set to make a major change to its nightlife and entertainment workforce. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that it will end the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme from 1 June 2026, following concerns over widespread misuse of the programme.

Introduced in 2008, the scheme allowed licensed public entertainment outlets—such as bars, hotels and nightclubs—to hire foreign performing artistes of any nationality on a short-term basis of up to six months. Over the years, it became a key hiring route for live performers across Singapore’s nightlife hubs.

According to MOM, recent enforcement operations carried out jointly with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed serious abuse of the system. Investigations uncovered syndicates linked to non-operating public entertainment outlets that hired foreign performers under the scheme, only to later deploy them illegally across other venues and locations.

In light of these findings, MOM assessed that the scheme is no longer serving its original purpose. After consulting relevant government agencies, the ministry concluded that discontinuing the programme was necessary to safeguard the integrity of Singapore’s work pass framework.

From 1 June 2026, MOM will stop accepting new applications under the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme. However, businesses will be allowed to retain their existing foreign performing artistes until their current passes expire or are cancelled.

The decision follows consultations with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), ensuring that entertainment venues receive sufficient lead time—nearly two years—to adjust their staffing and operational models.

• Entertainment service providers: Businesses can outsource performances instead of hiring artistes directly.
• Regular work passes: Eligible foreign performers may continue working under standard employment passes where applicable.
• Work Pass Exempt (WPE) framework: Foreigners can be engaged for short-term performances at government-supported events, events backed by statutory boards, or those held at approved public performance venues. This option excludes bars, pubs, nightclubs, lounges, hotels, private clubs and restaurants holding a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence (PEL).

MOM and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will continue working closely with the SNBA to monitor developments in the nightlife and entertainment industry. Authorities say the goal is to balance a vibrant night-time economy with stronger safeguards against misuse of work passes.

For businesses and performers alike, the countdown to June 2026 marks a significant shift—one that will reshape how live entertainment talent is hired and managed across Singapore.