When your helper goes home mid-contract, her Work Permit can stay valid and you stay her employer. Agree the dates and whether the leave is paid under her contract, check she has her passport and Work Permit for the return, and keep her flight or ferry ticket. If she is away for at least 7 consecutive days, you can apply for a levy waiver after she returns, capped at 60 calendar days a year. MOM's Ask Jaya column notes that cancelling and reapplying for her permit usually costs more than keeping it.
Before she leaves
- Agree the dates and whether leave is paid or unpaid, based on her contract. MOM's Ask Jaya column notes a common practice of 14 days' paid overseas leave for every two years worked.
- Check she has her valid passport and Singapore Work Permit card.
- Check her home country's immigration requirements for leaving and returning.
- Remind her not to carry goods for others across borders.
- Check her permit, insurance and bond will still be valid when she returns.
Source: Ask Jaya: home leave.
Levy waiver for overseas leave
- Leave of at least 7 consecutive days qualifies, capped at 60 calendar days per calendar year.
- Apply after she returns, selecting "On overseas leave", from the date she left to the date she returns.
- You can apply from the 1st of the month after you receive the levy bill, and within 1 year of it. MOM processes requests within 12 working days.
Source: Apply for levy waiver.
If she does not come back
- Cancel her Work Permit if it is still valid.
- Apply for a waiver and select "Failed to return from overseas leave". Levy applies until the day before cancellation.
Related guides
- Levy waiver for overseas leave
- Covering care while you travel
- Maid salary and total cost in Singapore
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
