Short answerCancel your helper's work permit in MOM's FDW eService within one week of her last day of work, or within one week of her departure if she has gone home and will not return. Cancellation is immediate and the levy stops the day before. First settle her salary and agree her journey home. Then print the Special Pass for her so she can stay legally until she leaves.
Before you cancel
- Agree her last day of work with her.
- Settle any outstanding employment issues she raises, including salary. If you are ending the contract, give the notice in her employment contract or pay salary in lieu of notice.
- Make sure her passport is valid.
- Agree in writing with her on transit arrangements (connecting flights, layover hours) and the allowance she needs during transit, before you buy the ticket.
- Buy her air ticket with check-in luggage and pay all connecting transport to the international port of entry nearest her hometown. The departure date must be within 2 weeks of the cancellation. Check airline and embassy entry requirements first.
If you used an agency within the last six months, tell them before you cancel. It affects your 50% fee refund.
How to cancel
- Log in to FDW eService and cancel the work permit. Employers, sponsors or employment agents can do this. Cancellation is immediate.
- Print the Special Pass and give it to her. She shows it with her passport to the immigration officer when she leaves.
- Make sure she leaves before the Special Pass expires.
After you cancel
- She cannot work once the permit is cancelled, even while waiting to leave.
- The levy is charged until 1 day before the cancellation.
- Cut the work permit card in half and throw it away to prevent misuse.
- MOM usually discharges the security bond about a week after she departs, if all conditions are met.
- Staying beyond a valid pass brings an overstaying fine, and employing someone without a valid work pass is a criminal offence.
If she has already gone home
Cancel within one week of her departure date. In FDW eService, choose the reason "My helper or I wish to end this employment or she has gone home and will not be returning". MOM discharges the security bond within 2 weeks after verifying she has left, if all conditions are met.
If her work permit has expired
You do not need to cancel an expired permit. If she is still in Singapore, request a Special Pass so she stays legally until she leaves. If you need her for only a short time beyond the expiry date, you can ask MOM for a short extension of her permit.
Consider a transfer
Instead of cancelling, you can transfer her directly to a new employer, or through an agency that agrees to take over her care while it finds her a new employer. Ask her first whether she would like to transfer. Agencies from our directory can tell you whether they handle transfers.
Still need help at home, but not a live-in helper? MOM suggests part-time household services instead. See live-out and part-time options.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Cancel a Work Permit; MOM, Contracts and safety agreement; MOM, Transfer through an employment agency; MOM, Refund of EA service fee.
Common questions
When must I cancel my maid's work permit?
Within one week after her last day of work, or within one week of her leaving Singapore if she will not return.
Is a work permit cancellation immediate?
Yes. Cancellation in FDW eService is immediate. Print the Special Pass straight away and give it to her.
When does the maid levy stop after cancellation?
The levy is charged until one day before the cancellation.
Who pays for my helper's flight home?
You do. MOM requires the employer to buy her air ticket with check-in luggage and pay connecting transport to the international port of entry nearest her hometown, with departure within 2 weeks of cancellation.
Can my helper work after her permit is cancelled?
No. She cannot work once the permit is cancelled, even while waiting to leave.
When do I get my security bond back?
MOM usually discharges it about a week after she leaves Singapore, if all conditions are met. If she had already gone home, it is discharged within 2 weeks after MOM verifies her departure.
Do I need to cancel an expired work permit?
No. But if she is still in Singapore, request a Special Pass so she has a valid stay until she leaves, or an overstaying fine applies.