MANILA — The Philippine Embassy in Singapore has reminded Filipinos not to engage in freelance work without proper permits, following a joint advisory issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VICPA).

The embassy said foreign nationals on tourist or student visas are strictly prohibited from performing paid work in Singapore, including photography, videography, and make-up services for weddings. It also stressed that Training Employment Permits (TEPs) are not work permits and are limited to short-term executive training.

According to Singapore law, foreigners caught working illegally face penalties of up to SGD 20,000 in fines and/or imprisonment of up to two years. They may also be barred from entering or working in the country.

“All foreign workers in Singapore are reminded to abide by the provisions of their employment passes,” the embassy said. It warned that engaging in additional paid work outside the scope of one’s contract — including on non-working days — could be considered moonlighting.

The advisory, issued on September 17, applies to Filipinos working and living in Singapore as well as short-term visitors.