The Philippine Embassy in Singapore has issued a fresh reminder to all Filipinos residing or intending to work in the city-state: taking on side jobs or engaging in any form of remunerated work outside their approved employment is a serious offense under Singaporean law.
In Embassy Advisory AD-056-2025, dated September 2, the Embassy emphasized the legal consequences of “moonlighting”—a term referring to undertaking additional paid work beyond the scope of one’s main employment contract, even during non-working hours or rest days.
“Moonlighting in Singapore is an offense. Foreign workers can be fined up to SGD 20,000 and/or serve imprisonment of up to two (2) years,” the Embassy warned.
Such violations may also lead to the revocation of work passes and a permanent ban from working in the country.
Strict rules for all categories of visitors and students
The advisory extended beyond employed individuals to tourists, short-term visitors, and students.
“Tourists and other short-term visitors are barred from engaging in any remunerated work, unless their work-related activity is eligible for a work pass exemption,” the Embassy stated, encouraging the public to visit the Singapore Ministry of Manpower website for more information.
For foreign students, working is only allowed if specific criteria are met. Those enrolled in approved institutions may work within limits, but exchange students or trainees must secure valid permits like a Training Work Permit, Training Employment Pass, or be part of the Work Holiday Programme.
“It is an offense for a foreign student under this category to work in Singapore without a valid work pass. All foreign students who wish to work while on leave of absence must apply for a work pass,” the advisory added.
