Upwill
Manpower Placement Agency

How to Cancel FDW Work Permit in Singapore

Complete guide to cancelling your domestic helper's work permit. Learn about the cancellation process, security bond refund, and departure arrangements.

Important: 7-Day Departure Rule

After work permit cancellation, your helper must leave Singapore within 7 days unless she is transferring to a new employer. Failure to ensure timely departure may result in forfeiture of your security bond.

Step-by-Step Cancellation Process

Step 1

Prepare for Cancellation

Complete all pre-cancellation requirements

  • Settle all outstanding salary and benefits
  • Book return flight for your helper
  • Collect personal belongings and work permit card
  • Cancel or transfer phone plans and bank accounts
Step 2

Submit Online Cancellation

Apply through MOM FDW eService

  • Log in to www.mom.gov.sg with Singpass
  • Select "Cancel work permit"
  • Enter reason for cancellation
  • Specify departure date and status
Step 3

Arrange Departure

Ensure helper leaves within 7 days

  • Helper must depart within 7 days of cancellation
  • Send her to the airport on departure day
  • Keep copy of boarding pass for records
  • Update departure status in MOM system if needed
Step 4

Security Bond Refund

Receive automatic bond refund

  • Bond refunded automatically after successful departure
  • Refund processed within 2-3 weeks
  • Check with your insurance company for status
  • Ensure no outstanding claims or violations

Common Reasons for Cancellation

Contract Completion

Employment contract has ended naturally

Action: Standard cancellation process

Mutual Agreement

Both parties agree to end employment

Action: Standard cancellation with agreed terms

Helper Request

Helper wishes to return home or transfer

Action: Facilitate transfer or arrange repatriation

Employer Circumstances

Employer no longer needs helper services

Action: Pay notice period as per contract

Performance Issues

Helper not meeting job requirements

Action: Document issues, consider transfer option

Serious Misconduct

Helper violated terms or laws

Action: Report to MOM and police if necessary

Pre-Cancellation Checklist

Financial Obligations

  • Pay all outstanding salary
  • Settle any reimbursements owed
  • Pay for return flight ticket
  • Clear outstanding levy payments

Administrative Tasks

  • Collect work permit card from helper
  • Close or transfer bank account
  • Cancel mobile phone plan
  • Provide letter of release (if transferring)

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers

Online work permit cancellation through MOM FDW eService is processed immediately upon submission. However, you must ensure your helper departs Singapore within 7 days of the cancellation unless she is transferring to a new employer.

Yes, you can cancel the work permit while your helper is overseas on home leave. In this case, select "overseas" as the departure status in the cancellation form. Your helper cannot return to Singapore on the cancelled work permit.

Yes, the $5,000 security bond will be refunded automatically after successful cancellation, provided there are no outstanding claims or violations. Refunds typically take 2-3 weeks to process.

You must pay all outstanding salary, including pro-rated salary for the month of termination, before or upon cancellation. MOM may take action if salary disputes arise.

Yes, if your helper wishes to work for another employer in Singapore, she can be transferred. The new employer must apply for a new work permit within 7 days of the cancellation.

There is no mandatory notice period required by MOM, but your employment contract may specify a notice period. Check your contract and ensure all parties agree to the termination terms.

You are responsible for arranging your helper's repatriation. If she refuses to leave, report to MOM and the police. The security bond may be forfeited if she overstays.

Yes, you can apply for a new work permit for the same helper. However, she will be treated as a new hire, requiring fresh documentation, medical examination, and the full application process.

Still have questions?

Our team is ready to help you with any specific concerns.

Contact Us

Related Guides

Cancel WP: WP Online Step-by-Step SOP

Procedural Singpass walkthrough, 7-day window, document checklist, rejection reasons, and edge cases (absconding, hospitalised, pregnancy).

Repatriation & Home Leave SOP

Mid-contract home leave vs end-of-contract repatriation. Airfare, MOM cancellation, IR21, when she refuses to leave.

S$5,000 Security Bond Release

Cancellation triggers bond release. 8-insurer comparison and the 7-14 day release timing for the bond refund.

Transfer Instead of Cancel

If you are letting her go but she wants to stay in SG, the transfer SOP is the alternative path. Old permit cancelled, new one issued same day.

Claim Levy Refund Before Cancel

If she was hospitalised or overseas in the last month, you may still be eligible for a levy waiver refund. 1-month deadline.

Looking to Hire a New Helper?

If you're ending your current helper's employment and need a replacement, we can help you find the right match for your household.