Cancellation

You should cancel the In-Principle Approval (IPA) for your Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) if you no longer want the FDW's Work Permit (WP) to be issued. You can request for the cancellation of the IPA via WP Online. Online cancellation of IPA is allowed only for WP application submitted by you, and the FDW is not in Singapore.

For FDW who has arrived in Singapore, please approach the Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower to cancel the IPA manually and apply for a Special Pass for her (if applicable).

See more details on manual cancellation of IPA.

• The FDW's employment is terminated within the WP validity period; or
• The WP expires.

If you wish to cancel the FDW's Work Permit (WP), the employer/authorised employment agency (EA) has to submit WP cancellation request via Work Permit Online (WPOL).

The employer has to ensure that all issues arising from the employment, including outstanding wages have been settled with the FDW before the Work Permit cancellation, failing which, the employer's future Work Permit applications be rejected.

You/your authorised EA will be informed of the outcome via WPOL:

• On same working day if the request was submitted before 8pm (Monday to Friday) or before 2pm (Saturday).
• On the next working day if the request was submitted after 8pm (Monday to Friday) or after 2pm (Saturday). Such requests will be considered as submissions on the next working day. The e-Cancellation service is not available on Sunday and Public Holidays.

Exceptional cases

For the following scenarios, please approach the Work Pass Counters for assistance as the e-Cancellation service is not available for the following transactions:

• Temporary cancellation of  WP for FDW who is going on home leave;*
  
• Cancellation of worker's In-Principle Approval letter after arrival in Singapore;* or
  
• When the FDW is required to remain in Singapore by the Ministry's Work Injury Compensation Branch and/or Labour Relations Department.

*Not applicable to Malaysians

When the e-Cancellation request has been approved, you/your authorised EA has to:

1. Print the cancellation acknowledgement letter (if applicable) and Special Pass (if applicable) via WPOL. When the FDW is returning to her home country, she has to surrender the Special Pass to the Immigration Checkpoint Officer at the point of departure. The Security Bond (if applicable) for the worker will be discharged after the confirmation of the worker's departure.
   
2. Return the original WP Card within 7 days from the date of Work Permit cancellation:.

• by post to Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764;
• by dropping it into the Deposit Box at Level 1, Ministry of Manpower building; or
• at Work Pass Services Centre, 7 Keppel Road, #02-27/29; or
• the employer may allow the worker to return the Work Permit Card at the Immigration Checkpoint at the point of departure

The employer's levy liability ceases on the day the Work Permit is cancelled.

The following services are now available via WPOL:

• WP cancellation for workers whose WPs have expired/has been revoked/cancelled for repatriation.
• Payment of overstaying fine using the online credit card or internet direct debit