From short-term work use to errant abuse: How Singapore's Performing Artiste Work Permit scheme was misused

Suspects being taken into custody during an enforcement operation at two public entertainment outlets on Oct 23. - MINISTRY OF MANPOWER via ST/ANN

SINGAPORE: The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme has been around for the last 17 years, but recent enforcement operations have uncovered widespread abuse by syndicates.

Here is a timeline, what to know about it, and how it has been misused.