Cancelling FDW Work Permit for Indonesian or Myanmar Maids

Cancelling a foreign domestic worker’s (FDW) work permit in Singapore is a crucial step when ending an employment contract. Whether the helper is returning home or transferring to another employer, following the legal requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ensures a smooth process. Failure to complete the procedure correctly can lead to fines or other penalties resulting from overstaying.

If you are an employer of an Indonesian or Myanmar maid, here’s a step-by-step guide to cancelling your FDW’s work permit and what you need to consider.

Who Can Cancel the Work Permit?

The employer is responsible for cancelling their FDW’s work permit. If the employer has engaged an employment agency, the agency can handle the process on the employer’s behalf.

In cases where the employer has passed away, the next of kin or legal representative must take over the cancellation process.

When Should You Cancel the Work Permit?

MOM advises employers to cancel the work permit at least one week before the maid’s departure date or before the permit expires. This prevents any risk of overstaying fines or legal issues.

If the helper is transferring to a new employer, coordinate with the new employer and the maid agency to ensure that the transfer is completed smoothly.

Steps to Cancel the Work Permit Online

To cancel your FDW’s work permit, follow these steps through MOM’s WP Online portal:

1. Settle All Outstanding Payments

• Pay any outstanding maid levy, unpaid salary, and benefits.
  
• If applicable, compensate the maid for unused annual leave or provide pay in lieu of notice.
  

2. Communicate with the FDW

• Inform the helper about the termination and ensure both parties agree on the maid’s departure date.
  
• Arrange for her return flight if she is leaving Singapore.
  

3. Log in to WP Online

• Access the MOM website and submit the cancellation request.
  

4. Provide Required Details

• Fill in the maid’s departure date, her passport details, and flight information (if applicable).
  

5. Pay Any Outstanding Levies

• Ensure that all outstanding maid levies and fines are paid before cancellation.
  

6. Print the Special Pass

• Once the cancellation is approved, print the Special Pass.
  
• The Special Pass allows the maid to stay in Singapore legally until her departure.
  

7. Return the Work Permit Card

• Cut the work permit card in half and return it to MOM by mail.
  

Post-Cancellation Steps

1. Confirm the FDW’s Departure

• Upon the cancellation of her work permit, your maid must leave Singapore before the Special Pass expires.
  
• Employers can check immigration records to confirm that she has left the country.
  

2. Documentation in Case of Employer’s Death

• If the employer has passed away, the next of kin must submit the death certificate to MOM when requesting the cancellation.
  

Key Considerations

1. Overstaying Penalties

• Both employers and FDWs can be fined or banned from hiring another helper if the maid overstays in Singapore.
  
• Ensure that the cancellation and departure are completed on time.
  

2. Home Country Regulations

• Myanmar helpers and Indonesian maids may require additional documentation before leaving Singapore.
  
• Some embassies have specific exit requirements, so check with the respective embassy.
  

3. Provide Sufficient Notice

• Ideally, you should give your FDW sufficient notice before terminating the employment contract.
  
• This allows the helper time to prepare, whether she is leaving Singapore or transferring to another employer.
  

4. Contractual Obligations

• The employer must ensure all financial matters (e.g. unpaid salary, airfare) are settled before the maid’s departure date.
  

Alternatives to Extension

If you need the helper to stay for a few extra days after the work permit expires, you can:

• Apply for a short-term extension through WP Online. 
• Explore elderly care or part-time maid services in Singapore if long-term assistance is still required.

Cancelling an FDW’s work permit in Singapore requires careful planning, from settling payments to ensuring that her departure date is confirmed. Following the legal requirements prevents issues such as overstaying fines or future hiring restrictions. Lastly, if the maid is from Myanmar or Indonesia, employers should also check with the respective embassy for any additional requirements.

JForce Employment Service specialises in helping employers make sense of the steps needed to cancel their maid’s work permit and ensuring that the process is seamless for everyone involved and compliant with MOM regulations. We also support employers in finding suitable replacement helpers if needed.

For more information about our services, please contact us today.