Johor wedding creatives in limbo over Singapore ban

[dambio]

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/johor-wedding-creatives-in-limbo-over-singapore-ban

“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,” he said.

Give them a refund la!

Mr Lim, who has photographed couples in several countries, said he hoped the Singapore Government would consider an alternative solution.

If d solution requires u to pay income or biz tax. U ok with it? Oh I forgot 3x works both ways!

A videographer known only as Mr Dan, 39, echoed the concerns and suggested that Singapore consider offering temporary work permits for foreign freelancers for a fee.

Not a bad idea. If charge u min 100sgd a day u will be ok with it anot?

 

[stanlawj]

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/03/wedding-creatives-in-limbo

Wedding photographers and videographers in Johor are reeling from Singapore’s move to bar foreign freelancers from providing creative services across the border.

A photographer known only as Lim, 36, said the announcement has forced him and his peers to cancel all upcoming bookings in Singapore.

“We had a series of pre-wedding photoshoots and actual-day bookings lined up from October until next year.

“It is a significant number because that period is auspicious according to the Lunar calendar, so there are many couples expected to get married,” he said.

According to him, many Singapore bridal studios engage Johor-based photographers and videographers for their lower rates and perceived better service quality.

Lim, who said Singaporeans make up about 80% of his clientele, added that the ban not only affects Malaysian service providers 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,” he said.

He noted that Malaysian couples planning pre-wedding shoots at Singapore attractions are also worried about running afoul of the law.

Lim, who has photographed couples in several countries, said he hoped the Singaporean government would consider an alternative solution.

On Sept 11, Singapore’s Manpower Ministry and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association issued a joint advisory, reminding that foreigners on tourist or student visas are not allowed to provide photography, videography and make-up services in the country.

Those found working without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding S$20,000 (RM65,530), imprisonment for up to two years or both. They may also be barred from entering and working in Singapore.

A videographer known only as Dan, 39, echoed the concerns and suggested that Singapore consider offering temporary work permits for foreign freelancers for a fee.

“My team also has several incomplete projects on hand that our clients have paid for.

“However, we are unable to move forward to avoid getting into trouble with the law,” said Dan, who has been in the industry for over a decade.

He added that he is in discussions with his clients to find a way to complete the unfinished work.

 

[stanlawj]

So, the bosses of the Singapore wedding/photo studios have been hiring illegal foreign workers?

How long has this employer-led fiasco been going on? Why no consequence for them?

 

[archie7]

just host the wedding in JB
problem solved

cheaper and better but maybe can’t cross the causeway faster

 

[Ahemahem]

WOW no wonder my colleague ask me if i interested to come out of retirement to help his brother take wedding photos next year

 

[Evil_Boss]

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/03/wedding-creatives-in-limbo

Wedding photographers and videographers in Johor are reeling from Singapore’s move to bar foreign freelancers from providing creative services across the border.

A photographer known only as Lim, 36, said the announcement has forced him and his peers to cancel all upcoming bookings in Singapore.

“We had a series of pre-wedding photoshoots and actual-day bookings lined up from October until next year.

“It is a significant number because that period is auspicious according to the Lunar calendar, so there are many couples expected to get married,” he said.

According to him, many Singapore bridal studios engage Johor-based photographers and videographers for their lower rates and perceived better service quality.

Lim, who said Singaporeans make up about 80% of his clientele, added that the ban not only affects Malaysian service providers 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,” he said.

He noted that Malaysian couples planning pre-wedding shoots at Singapore attractions are also worried about running afoul of the law.

Lim, who has photographed couples in several countries, said he hoped the Singaporean government would consider an alternative solution.

On Sept 11, Singapore’s Manpower Ministry and the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association issued a joint advisory, reminding that foreigners on tourist or student visas are not allowed to provide photography, videography and make-up services in the country.

Those found working without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding S$20,000 (RM65,530), imprisonment for up to two years or both. They may also be barred from entering and working in Singapore.

A videographer known only as Dan, 39, echoed the concerns and suggested that Singapore consider offering temporary work permits for foreign freelancers for a fee.

“My team also has several incomplete projects on hand that our clients have paid for.

“However, we are unable to move forward to avoid getting into trouble with the law,” said Dan, who has been in the industry for over a decade.

He added that he is in discussions with his clients to find a way to complete the unfinished work.

good they closed this loophole.

find sg photographer or go to malaysia and take photo.

 

[arcturuz]

ji gou li man

 

[dambio]

WOW no wonder my colleague ask me if i interested to come out of retirement to help his brother take wedding photos next year

Will u get paid for it?

 

[Acetone]

For a long time, the bridal business have been dominated by JHK

Same for renovation and construction services

 

[Ahemahem]

Will u get paid for it?

lol ya
will pay me accordingly

 

[shock]

Malaysia many many times the size of SG yet need to depend on SG for survive.
SG should be the one depend on Malaysia for survive.
Malaysian should reflect

 

[sango65]

wow, so they have been earning 3.2x without filing income tax, no wonder IRAS not enough revenue and hence Govt close the loophole

 

[halocast]

So they earn money no need pay income tax.. ?

if we do the same thing in malaysia.. what would happen?

 

[0218crawford]

goin on for years. imagine tourists oso can work and make money in SG.

 

[12midnight]

Actually, didn’t say ban them from providing services here. Just correcting the industry, they just need to follow rules and pay tax

Their media reported it as if we‘re ostracising them. We love them deep deep actually. I also hired jhk photographer and videographer for my wedding after comparing local photographer’s/videographer‘s work. Prices are on par but jhk‘s creativity work has better quality. Subjective though.

 

[chaiscool]

So many poly / uni students doing gigs and weekend hustle for this kind of job anyway, support local lah

 

[Atrina_Boy]

What's the similarity between jhk and hyenas ?

Both like to steal other's food.

 

[eAtNeAt]

Means the sg agencies charge clients sg prices, hire msia workers at 1/3 prices and pocket the balance?
Now say cannot proceed.

 

[spinning_quirK]

They rather cancel and whine than to do the right thing re our tax laws?

 

[f1y555]

Aiyo, their country got more people marrying , got more places to take photos why die die wanna come sg leh??