Maid wants to know if she can stay in Singapore even after her employer cancels her work permit

SINGAPORE: A foreign domestic helper took to social media asking if there was any chance she could stay in Singapore even after her employer cancelled her Work Permit (WP).

In a post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid asked: “Hi – what happens if an employer cancel the work permit and buys the ticket to send home? Can the helper stay in Singapore after work permit cancellation?”

She asked for quick responses and added that the matter was urgent.

Netizens who commented on the post said that there was not much that she could do, but they added that she needed to ask her employer for a reason as to why her Work Permit was cancelled.

Here’s what they said:

According to the Manpower Ministry (MOM), before cancelling a helper’s Work Permit, employers must:

1. Agree on the last day of work with your helper.
2. Settle all outstanding employment issues that your helper may raise, including salary payment.
3. Ensure your helper has a valid passport.
4. Buy an air ticket and pay for any connecting transport costs to the international port of entry in your worker’s home country/region nearest to their hometown:
   • You must pay for the air ticket and it must include check-in luggage.
   • The departure date must be within 2 weeks from the cancellation.

You and your helper should also discuss and agree on the following in writing before buying an air ticket:

• Transit arrangement, such as connecting flights and layover hours
• Allowance needed to sustain her during the transit”

The MOM added that if the helper is still in Singapore, employers should:

After cancelling

Once the Work Permit is cancelled, your helper cannot work, even while waiting to leave Singapore.

Levy will be charged until 1 day before the cancellation.