Work permit cancellation: what employers must do and what workers need to know
17 June 2026
When a work permit is cancelled, both sides have rights and responsibilities. Here is what the process actually looks like.
Work permit cancellation is one of the most consequential moments in any employment relationship between a migrant domestic worker and her employer. It can happen for many reasons — a contract ends, a family situation changes, or the working relationship breaks down. Whatever the cause, the process that follows has real implications for both sides, and getting it right matters.
What the employer must do
Once an employer decides to end the arrangement, they are required to cancel the work permit through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before the worker departs Singapore or transfers to a new employer. Cancellation must happen promptly — employers cannot simply let a permit lapse without action.
Before cancellation, the employer must also settle all outstanding salary and other entitlements. This includes any rest day compensation owed, reimbursement of medical expenses, and the cost of the worker's return passage home — unless the worker is moving to a new employer or is choosing to remain in Singapore at her own expense.
The employer is also responsible for purchasing a valid return ticket and ensuring the worker can travel. Leaving this unresolved is not a grey area: MOM treats it as an employer obligation, not an optional courtesy.
What the worker is entitled to know
A domestic worker has the right to understand why her permit is being cancelled and to receive written confirmation of her final salary and any outstanding amounts. She should not feel pressured to sign documents she does not understand. If there is a dispute about unpaid wages or other entitlements, she can raise it with MOM before she leaves Singapore.
Workers on a cancelled permit have a short window — typically a matter of days — to either depart, secure a new employer, or apply for a short-term pass if needed. Knowing this timeline in advance helps workers make informed decisions rather than being caught off guard.
If things are not going smoothly
Disputes during cancellation are more common than they should be. Disagreements over final pay, deductions, or the timing of departure can escalate quickly. MOM's advisory services exist for exactly these situations, and both employers and workers are encouraged to use them rather than let tensions harden into formal complaints.
The cancellation process is a bureaucratic step, but it also marks a significant transition for a person's livelihood and a family's daily life. Handling it with care and accuracy is simply the right thing to do.
Anisya is built on the idea that every stage of domestic employment — including endings — should be clear and fair. If you are navigating a permit cancellation and want to understand your next steps, our platform is a straightforward place to start.