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. In another instance, a sex worker was attacked by her agent when asking for money to support her year-old daughter, and had to get ten stitches. These are only a few examples of the many instances of violence that are regularly documented.
Unfortunately, there are likely many more cases that go undocumented as well, as women in the sex industry often do not receive the necessary support and resources to speak up against abuse and may face repercussions if they do speak up. Different people are brought up with different opportunities. More often than not, women enter the sex industry because sex work is the best opportunity available. We see many instances where these women are the main providers for their families, and have to support their parents, partners, and children.
