How to Cancel a Helper’s Work Permit in Singapore

If your helper’s employment is ending, knowing how to cancel her Work Permit in Singapore properly and on time is one of the most important steps. This applies whether the contract is ending as planned, being terminated early, or your helper has already left Singapore and will not be returning.

The process is fairly simple, but employers still need to prepare properly. Before cancelling the permit, you should settle the last day of work, follow the notice terms in the contract, arrange repatriation where required, and make sure all outstanding salary and employment matters are handled clearly. MOM also requires employers to cancel the Work Permit through the FDW eService.

Many employers search for how to cancel a helper’s Work Permit in Singapore when a contract ends early, a helper transfers, or departure arrangements need to be handled quickly.

Quick Summary

• Cancel your helper’s Work Permit within 1 week after her last day of work.
• Use Singapore MOM’s FDW eService to cancel the permit online.
• If your helper is still in Singapore, print the Special Pass after cancellation and give it to her.
• Once the Work Permit is cancelled, the helper cannot continue working in Singapore.
• The security bond is usually discharged about 1 week after the helper leaves Singapore, if all conditions are met.

When should you cancel a helper’s Work Permit?

MOM advises employers to cancel the Work Permit within 1 week after the helper’s last day of work. Timing matters. If you cancel too early, your helper will no longer be allowed to work. If you cancel too late, you may create unnecessary issues with levy billing, departure arrangements, or security bond discharge.

In general, employers should first confirm the last working day and complete all key employment arrangements before starting the cancellation process.

What should you prepare before cancellation?

Before cancelling the Work Permit, it is best to settle all main employment and departure matters first.

These usually include:

• agreeing on the last day of work
• checking the notice period in the employment contract
• paying any outstanding salary or other sums due
• ensuring the helper has a valid passport
• arranging the helper’s flight home and related travel where required
• checking whether there are any security bond implications

MOM also reminds employers to settle employment matters properly when ending a helper’s employment. If you are reviewing broader employer obligations at the same time, it can also help to read about the hiring cost of a domestic helper in Singapore.

Do you need a written employment contract?

A written employment contract is strongly recommended. It helps both the employer and the helper understand important points such as the notice period, payment in lieu of notice, the last working day, travel arrangements, and how final salary will be settled.

This becomes especially useful if the contract ends early or if there is any disagreement about notice or final payments.

Can a helper’s employment be terminated early?

Yes. A helper’s employment can end before the original 2-year period, as long as the contract terms and legal obligations are followed.

If either the employer or the helper cannot serve the required notice period, the contract may allow payment in lieu of notice, depending on the agreed terms.

How to cancel a helper’s Work Permit in Singapore

The cancellation process is done online through Singapore MOM’s online service for foreign domestic worker employers.

In simple terms, the process is:

1. Log in to the FDW eService
2. Select the option to cancel the Work Permit
3. Confirm the relevant employment details
4. Follow the instructions based on whether the helper is still in Singapore or has already left

Before submitting the cancellation, employers should double-check the last working day and make sure all salary, travel, and departure arrangements have already been settled. This helps avoid delays, confusion, or problems after the Work Permit has been cancelled.

If your helper is still in Singapore

If your helper is still in Singapore when you cancel her Work Permit, MOM says you should:

1. Log in to FDW eService and cancel the permit
2. Print the Special Pass
3. Give the Special Pass to your helper
4. Make sure she uses the Special Pass and a valid passport when leaving Singapore

The Special Pass allows the helper to stay in Singapore temporarily before departure. You must also make sure she leaves Singapore before the Special Pass expires.

If your helper has already left Singapore

If your helper has already gone home and will not be returning, you should still cancel the Work Permit in FDW eService.

In this case, there is no need to print a Special Pass, since the helper is no longer in Singapore. However, the employer should still complete the cancellation promptly so the record is closed properly and the security bond discharge can proceed.

Keeping a copy of the cancellation confirmation is also useful for your own records.

What happens after the Work Permit is cancelled?

Once the Work Permit is cancelled, the helper cannot continue working in Singapore under that permit.

After cancellation:

• the helper must leave Singapore on time if she is still here
• levy billing stops according to MOM rules
• the security bond discharge process can begin if all conditions are met

If you are replacing your helper rather than leaving the role empty, you may also want to read our guide on how to hire a maid in Singapore.

What happens to the security bond?

MOM states that the security bond is usually discharged about 1 week after the helper leaves Singapore, provided that the Work Permit has been cancelled, the helper has returned home, and there has been no breach of the security bond conditions.

If the bond is not discharged after that period, employers can follow up with MOM for assistance. This is one reason why employers should not delay cancellation once the employment has ended.

Should you destroy the old Work Permit card?

Yes. After cancellation, the old Work Permit card should be handled properly to prevent misuse. A practical step is to cut the cancelled card in half and discard it.

Final Thoughts

Cancelling a helper’s Work Permit in Singapore is usually straightforward if you prepare properly. The most important steps are to follow the contract terms, settle the last day of work and final payments, arrange departure where needed, and complete the cancellation in FDW eService on time.

If your helper is still in Singapore, do not forget to print the Special Pass after cancellation. Once the permit is cancelled, she can no longer continue working.

Understanding how to cancel a helper’s Work Permit in Singapore properly can help employers avoid delays, compliance issues, and unnecessary stress at the end of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my helper’s Work Permit online?

Yes. Employers should use the FDW eService to cancel a helper’s Work Permit.

When should I cancel the Work Permit?

You should cancel it within 1 week after the helper’s last day of work.

What if my helper is still in Singapore after cancellation?

You must print the Special Pass and give it to her. She will need the pass and her passport when leaving Singapore.

Can my helper keep working after the permit is cancelled?

No. Once the Work Permit is cancelled, she cannot continue working under that permit.

When will the security bond be discharged?

Usually about 1 week after the helper leaves Singapore, if all conditions are met.