Sex work per se is not illegal. We recognize that it is not possible to eradicate it and forcing it underground will lead to the greater likelihood of involvement by triads and organized crime, the trafficking of women, and public health risks.
In addition, many sex work-related activities are criminalised. This includes:. In practice, the police regulates and monitors a limited number of brothels. In particular, the Specialised Crime Branch of the Singapore Police Force issues licenses to brothels and provides clearance for brothel sex workers to acquire a Work Permit.
The State does not publicly acknowledge this, however, through our work, we managed to learn of some criterion for application of the yellow card:. Most workers under the yellow card system are migrants. They will have to undergo an interview and sign a contract with the police upon arrival.
We understand that some workers were asked at this point if they have been coerced into this industry. Amongst other things, the agreement states that one will not break any local laws, and that once their contract ends, they will face a travel ban lasting between three years to a lifetime.
Workers under the yellow card system work full timeβup to 6 days a week and compensation has to be provided if more off-days are required. They are often more vulnerable because they fear being arrested. Sex workers face many issues. In , the top 3 forms of abuse we witnessed were harassment, physical assault, and financial violence e. One client preyed on multiple sex workers by serially raping and assaulting them. He was jailed for 8 months but upon release, started to prey on workers again.
