Work permit cancellation: what employers must do and what workers should know
2 November 2026
When a work arrangement ends, the steps that follow matter — for compliance, for dignity, and for what comes next.
Every employment relationship ends eventually. Sometimes it is planned. Sometimes it is not. When it does, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires employers to cancel their MDW's work permit — and the clock starts the moment the last day of work is agreed.
What the rules actually say
Employers must cancel the work permit within seven days of the MDW's last day of employment. This applies whether the worker is being repatriated, transferring to a new employer, or leaving Singapore for any other reason. Failing to cancel on time can result in fines and complications for future permit applications.
Cancellation is done through MOM's online portal. It takes only a few minutes once you have the relevant details ready. The employer is also responsible for purchasing a return air ticket to the worker's home country — unless the MDW is transferring directly to a new employer in Singapore, in which case the new employer takes over the permit obligations.
What happens to the worker's status
Once the work permit is cancelled, the MDW is typically given a short-stay visitor pass — usually valid for a limited number of days. This gives her a window to settle final matters: collecting her belongings, receiving outstanding salary, and saying her goodbyes.
Outstanding salary must be paid in full on or before the last day of work. This is not optional. MOM takes salary disputes seriously, and workers have the right to file a claim if payment is withheld.
What workers should keep track of
If you are an MDW approaching the end of your contract, it helps to know your own timeline. You are entitled to ask your employer when the cancellation will be submitted and to confirm your return ticket arrangements. Keep copies of your employment contract, payslips, and any written communication about your end date.
If you are considering transferring to a new employer rather than going home, the process works differently — your current employer still needs to initiate the cancellation, but the new employer applies for a fresh work permit on your behalf. Timing matters here, so both parties should plan ahead to avoid gaps in status.
A clean ending is possible
The cancellation process is administrative, but the stakes behind it are real — for compliance on one side and for someone's livelihood and next steps on the other. Knowing the rules means neither party is caught off guard.
At Anisya, we help both employers and workers navigate transitions clearly and fairly, from first placement to final day.