Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said it is continuing to investigate complaints involving foreign freelancers illegally offering services in the country, while warning that enforcement powers remain limited when such advertisements originate from overseas.
In a written parliamentary response on May 7, Minister for Manpower addressed concerns raised by MP Charlene Chen regarding the growing number of foreign freelancers advertising creative services on social media platforms.
The question followed a recent joint advisory issued by MOM and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VICPA), which cautioned businesses and individuals against engaging foreign freelancers who may not have valid work authorisation in Singapore.
MOM said it takes “firm enforcement action” against individuals found to have breached employment laws by working illegally in Singapore. However, the ministry acknowledged that its jurisdiction does not extend to foreign freelancers who advertise their services while based overseas.
“If necessary, we may engage social media platforms to assist in taking down listings involving foreign freelancers advertising their services,” the ministry said in its reply.
The government added that it will continue monitoring the situation and consider additional measures where required.
The issue has become increasingly relevant as freelance creative work, spanning photography, videography, design, digital marketing and content production, is increasingly sourced through social media and online platforms, blurring enforcement boundaries across jurisdictions.
Singapore authorities have in recent years tightened scrutiny around illegal employment practices as the country balances openness to global talent with protections for local workers and licensed professionals.