Whether singers have higher status or not, I am not sure. But they work legally unlike run table gals. Basically, 3 types of singers from PRC in S'pore. 6 mth WP, 2 yr WP, S pass. A HFJ has between 8-15 singers aka performing artistes. Depends on size of outlet and max capacity determined by FSB, SCDF. To qualify for a 2-yr WP, the joint must have 9 staff registered with CPF - S'poreans, PRs and M'sians. Usually 1-2 S passes but hard to succeed with application coz applicant needs to be a grad in a recognised U in China.
When police raid HFJ, any singers caught mingling with customers, the operator gets fined $500 and 3 demerit points per singer caught. In KTVs, for a hostess caught it can be 6 points. 3 points for hiring a person without valid WP and another 3 points for not recording her particulars in staff book.
Not all want to be singers. Singers need to meet target set, usually 6-8k per mth. Their movement also controlled with working hrs. Can't suka suka bo cheng hu unlike run table gals. Bt if lucky, a singer is more likely to make more money coz lots of heavyweights hang around HFJs. There are exceptions though. For KTVs, Lido, TAM, Dynasty and LV entertains big snakes too.
