'Quite upsetting': Couples, creatives left scrambling with ban on foreign freelance wedding services

Multiple couples have been left scrambling to find replacement wedding photographers after authorities reiterated the ban on foreign freelance creative services, according to local photographers who spoke to The New Paper.

On Sept 11, authorities reminded industry stakeholders in an advisory that engaging foreign freelancers to provide photography, videography and make-up services for weddings in Singapore is not allowed. The advisory also stressed that foreigners on tourist or student visas are prohibited from performing or promoting such services.

While rules preventing foreigners from working in Singapore without a work permit have long been in place, local photographers told TNP that the Manpower Ministry (MOM) has only recently begun strictly enforcing them.

Such freelancer work is illegal and carries a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

'Over 100 enquiries' from couples

Annabel Law, 33, of Annabel Law Productions, told TNP that her company has received over 100 enquiries from couples seeking last minute replacements for their foreign photographers and videographers.

A 17-year veteran of the industry, Ms Law added that many of these couples were surprised that local rates are two to three times higher than what foreign photographers charge, noting that those cheaper rates were "never realistic to begin with".

She pointed out that these couples were aware that hiring foreign photographers is against the law, as the ban was "not sudden".

The owner of a small wedding photography and videography brand who only wished to be known as Mr Li, told TNP that he has also seen a "noticeable increase in local enquiries" since the announcement. He has even heard of weddings in October and November being cancelled , describing the situation as "very disruptive".

According to Mr Li, a "large wave" of Malaysian wedding photography and videography brands entered the Singapore market after the Covid-19 pandemic, armed with "aggressive marketing and low prices".

With eight years in the industry, he described their approach as "really smart", noting that they "successfully created the impression that such low rates were the industry norm."

'Quite upsetting'

While couples who had recently hired foreign freelancers for photography services declined to speak to TNP, one couple - who only wished to be known as Safie, 32, and Bella, 29 - who hired a Malaysian photographer for their pre-wedding photoshoot in Singapore in June this year found the announcement "quite upsetting".

Noting that they had a "great experience" working with their photographer, they lamented that future couples would miss the chance to work with talented artistes from across the Causeway.

While Safie and Bella were unaware of the existing rules preventing foreigners from working in Singapore without a permit, they cited costs as the main factor in their decision - the Malaysian photographer charged them RM10,000 (S$3,063), compared with the $4,800 quoted by a local photographer.

80 per cent of clients are Singaporeans: Foreign wedding photographer

The Straits Times recently reported that Malaysian wedding photographers and videographers are grappling with the renewed ban on foreign freelancers.

A 36-year-old photographer who only wished to be known as Mr Lim told ST that the announcement has forced him and his peers to cancel all upcoming bookings in Singapore. They had a series of pre-wedding shoots and wedding shoots lined up from October through next year.

About 80 per cent of his clients are Singaporeans, said Mr Lim, adding that the ban affects not only Malaysian freelancers like himself, but also Singapore-based businesses and clients.

"Bridal studios there told us that they are facing a lot of backlash from couples who have already paid for photography, videography and make-up services, and are now struggling to meet deadlines," said Mr Lim.

He also noted that Malaysian couples who plan to have their pre-wedding shoots at Singapore attractions are now concerned about breaking the law.

Another videographer, who only wished to be known as Dan, suggested that authorities consider offering temporary work permits for foreign freelancers for a fee.

The 39-year-old, who has been in the industry for over a decade, added that his team has several paid, unfinished projects on hold and is now in discussions with clients to resolve them.

Local photographers cite high costs

Wilson Wong, 51, a former professional photographer and member of the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VICPA), an organisation advocating for freelance and self-employed creative professionals.

He told TNP that local freelancers earning about $4,000 a month is "considered very good" after factoring in office or studio rental costs, and assuming they have no children.

Production costs are "very high", Mr Wong added, citing equipment depreciation rates, electricity, water, transportation and other non-imaging expenses. Such costs are much lower in neighbouring countries - Malaysians, for instance, have lower rentals and daily expenses.

"It is only natural their asking price is lower overall than in Singapore," he said.

Ms Law also noted that equipment, software, and manpower are expensive, and professional experience takes years to build.

While salaries in most careers rise by about two to five per cent annually, foreign freelancers have been charging two to five times cheaper than local market rates, making it "impossible" for local photographers to compete fairly, said Ms Law.

While these photographers "raised creative standards across the board and introduced fresh styles", Mr Li added that their presence made it harder to sustain the local creative industry, even as consumers benefited from more options and lower prices.

"I personally welcome fair competition," he said, "as long as everyone plays by the same rules."

"We've been waiting for this problem to be addressed for over a decade, and it's finally being enforced," added Ms Law.