KEY POINTS
- The Work Permit Performing Artiste scheme will stop taking new applications from 1 June 2026.
- MOM found widespread abuse involving syndicates using shell outlets to deploy foreign artistes illegally.
- Existing passes remain valid, but businesses must switch to other legal hiring options moving forward.
MOM regulations 2026: Bars, clubs, and nightlife operators just got hit with a big update — and honestly, it’s one a lot of insiders were already expecting.
The long-running Work Permit (Performing Artiste) Scheme, which has been around for 17 years, is finally coming to an end.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed that it will stop accepting new applications from 1 June 2026. The move comes after repeated enforcement raids revealed syndicates misusing the scheme to bring in foreign performers through sham public entertainment outlets.
Why the Scheme Is Ending
The scheme was originally meant to help licenced entertainment venues hire foreign performing artistes for short stints — up to six months — regardless of nationality.
But over the past year, things took a sharp turn.
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Investigations found that some operators set up non-operational or “shell” outlets just to get work permits approved.
Once these passes were issued, the artistes were pushed to work elsewhere — completely off the books and outside intended locations.
MOM and the police stepped up enforcement, and the numbers paint a pretty serious picture.
Summary of Key Enforcement Cases
| Date | Number Arrested | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sept | 17 arrested | Raids on shell public entertainment outlets |
| 21 Sept | 32 arrested | Similar syndicate-linked outlets targeted |
| 23 Oct | 58 arrested | Employment law breaches; 32 were foreign artistes |
These repeated abuses led MOM to assess that the scheme “is no longer serving its original purpose.”
What Happens to Current Work Permit Performing Artistes?
If your business already employs foreign artistes under this scheme, don’t panic — they can continue working until their current passes expire or are cancelled.
But once their term is up, there’s no renewal pathway under this scheme anymore.
MOM’s message is clear: time to shift to alternatives.
What Businesses Can Do Next
Nightlife operators still have options — just not this one.
You can:
- Engage entertainment services from licensed service providers
- Hire eligible artistes on a regular work pass, if they meet criteria
- Bring in performers under the Work Pass Exempt framework, as long as conditions are met
But take note — the exemption framework does NOT apply to performances held in:
- Bars
- Discotheques
- Lounges
- Nightclubs
- Pubs
- Hotels
- Restaurants with Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence
It’s mainly for government-supported events or venues recognised as public performance spaces.
What This Means for Singapore’s Nightlife Scene
Here’s the thing — this move will definitely shake up operations for some nightlife businesses.
But at the same time, it closes loopholes that shady operators were using to exploit the system.
MOM and MTI also said they’ll continue working with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association to monitor industry developments.
So more changes may come, but for now, operators should start planning for a post-2026 landscape without this scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the Performing Artiste Scheme stop accepting applications?
The scheme will stop taking new applications from 1 June 2026.
2. Can current performing artistes continue working?
Yes, they can stay until their existing passes expire or are cancelled.
3. What alternatives can businesses use to hire performers?
They can hire via regular work passes, use licensed entertainment service providers, or bring artistes in under Work Pass Exempt rules where allowed.
