Professional Visit Passes (PVP) will be re-introduced by MOM in two new categories - the Miscellaneous Work Pass and the Work Permit (Performing Artiste).

Three groups of foreigners must apply for the Miscellaneous Work Pass, which is valid for 60 days: key organisers of gatherings relating to religion, race or community, or any cause or political end; foreign religious workers giving talks about any religion; and foreign journalists or accompanying crew not supported by any local government agency, who are here to cover an event or write a story.

The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) will apply to foreign performers who want to work at any nightspot. The maximum duration of this pass is six months.

Specific activities that do not require any work pass remain the same as those under the current PVP scheme, but two new groups of activities will be added to the list.

The first involves activities that require expertise or specialised skills, such as commissioning new equipment and maintaining machines.

The second involves arbitration or mediation services in any matter not relating to religion, race or community, or a cause or political end. Foreigners can carry out such activities for the duration of their social visit passes.

According to the ICA, an average of 6,900 passes were issued yearly since 2005.

For more details, visit the MOM website at www.mom.gov.sg .