Whether your helper has finished her contract, is going home for good, or is leaving under unfortunate circumstances, one crucial step you shouldn’t forget is to cancel her work permit.
In this blog, we demystify the process of how to cancel work permit of your FDW and present it as a step-by-step framework — without any burden and with practical insights that real employers can identify with
When exactly should you take action?
You are required to cancel the work permit, whichever comes first:
- Within one week of your helper’s last working day or;
- One day after the work permit expires.
Delays in cancellation may lead to continued levy charges or compliance issues. If your maid has already left Singapore and will not be returning to work, you’ll still need to cancel her work permit within one week of her departure.
What to Do Before Cancelling a Maid’s Work Permit
Before you move forward to cancel work permit of FDW, it’s essential to tie up all practical and legal loose ends. This ensures not only a smooth departure for your helper but also protects you from future disputes or non-compliance issues.
Here’s a checklist of key responsibilities every employer should complete before initiating the cancellation:
- Confirm the Final Day of Work
Clearly agree on your transfer maid’s last working day. This gives both parties clarity and allows for proper planning around household transitions or handovers. - Resolve Outstanding Employment Matters
Any unresolved job-related concerns, especially unpaid wages, off-day compensation, or issues raised by your helper, should be addressed transparently. Ensuring a fair closure reflects mutual respect and helps avoid complications later. - Verify Passport Validity
Your helper’s passport must be valid at the time of departure. Renewals can take time, so it’s best to check this well in advance. - Arrange the Return Travel
As their employer, you are legally obligated to purchase their return air ticket to their home country or region, specifically to the nearest international port of entry closest to their hometown.- The air ticket must be fully paid for by you.
- It must include check-in luggage.
- The departure must take place within 2 weeks after the cancellation is submitted.
- Align on Transit Logistics
Before booking the ticket, sit down with your helper and mutually agree, in writing, on the following:- Transit arrangements (including layovers or connecting flights)
- Allowances or cash support needed for meals or essentials during transit.
- Check Airline Boarding Requirements
Airlines may have specific pre-boarding conditions, such as COVID-19 testing, visa documents for transit countries, or layover time limits. Always check these before finalising the booking.
How to Cancel a Maid’s Work Permit?
Once you’re done with the pre-cancellation steps, it’s time to proceed with the formal cancellation of your maid’s Work Permit. The process varies slightly depending on whether your helper is still in Singapore or has already left.
If Your Maid Is Still in Singapore:
If your helper is still in the country and preparing to return home, follow these steps:
- Log into the FDW eService
Visit MOM’s FDW eService using your Singpass to initiate the cancellation. The process is simple and immediate.
- Issue a Special Pass
After cancellation, print and give your maid a Special Pass. This document legally allows her to remain in Singapore while waiting for her flight.
- Departure Process
On the day of departure, your helper must present both the Special Pass and a valid passport to the immigration officer at the checkpoint.
If Your Maid Has Already Left Singapore:
If your maid has already returned to her home country and will not be coming back to work for you, the cancellation process remains just as important and must still be completed promptly.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Log into the FDW eService
Visit MOM’s FDW eService and log in using your Singpass credentials.
- Select the Right Cancellation Reason
Choose the option: “My helper or I wish to end this employment, or she has gone home and will not be returning.”
After Cancelling the Work Permit
Once the Work Permit has been officially cancelled, your maid is no longer legally allowed to work for you in any capacity, even if she’s still in Singapore awaiting her flight. Doing so could result in penalties for breaching MOM regulations.
Additionally, you are required to continue paying the foreign worker levy up to one day before the cancellation date. Prompt cancellation not only ensures compliance but also helps you avoid unnecessary levy charges.
Final Thoughts
Canceling a Work Permit for your maid is a crucial responsibility that ensures legal compliance and a respectful end to the employment relationship. So, following the proper steps and timelines, you protect yourself from potential penalties and give your helper a smooth transition home.
At HiH, we understand how complex these processes can feel. That’s why we offer end-to-end support, from hiring to cancellation, so you can focus on what matters most, that too, hassle-free.
Visit HIH today and simplify your journey!
