SINGAPORE, Sept. 13 -- Companies in Singapore have been told they cannot engage foreign freelancers for photography, videography, make-up and other creative services, even if the work is tied to weddings or events.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Vicpa) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reminded businesses that such arrangements are illegal under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

"Foreigners on tourist or student visas are not allowed to perform such work in Singapore, and companies cannot engage them to provide services to clients, nor promote their services," the statement said, as reported by The Straits Times.

The warning follows information received by MOM th...