Monitoring and Enforcing against Illegal Freelance Services Advertised on Social Media

Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for Manpower in light of the joint advisory by the Ministry and Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore) (VICPA) on engaging foreign freelancers for creative services in Singapore (a) how the Ministry monitors and enforces against illegal freelance services advertised on social media; and (b) whether more proactive measures will be considered to address such listings.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigates complaints of foreign freelancers working illegally in Singapore and will take firm enforcement action against those found to have flouted the law. However, our enforcement powers do not allow us to act against those who advertise their services from overseas. If necessary, we may engage social media platforms to assist in taking down listings involving foreign freelancers advertising their services. MOM will continue to monitor the situation and consider further measures where necessary.