What to do if your maid fails to return from her home leave

Yes, my maid did not return from her home leave. If you are unfortunately in the same position as me, do this:

Step 1: Try to contact her first to find out what is wrong
Do it as soon as possible as you will have to pay for her maid levy. According to the link, the maid levy is paid by you at the end of each month.

Sources taken from MOM Work Permit Page.

Step 2: Cancel her Work Permit
If you managed to contact her and she refuses to return after much persuasion, you will need to cancel her Work Permit. Do it before 8pm for weekdays so that you can know the outcome of the request on the same day.

If your application is approved, you may want to print the Cancellation Acknowledgement Letter for archive purpose.


Step 3: Keep a copy of her travel ticket or a record of her departure itinerary
This is to prove that the worker has left Singapore.

After MOM confirms that your maid has departed and not re-entered Singapore, you will be discharged of any liabilities under the security bond.

If you maid re-enter Singapore before the security bond has been discharged, you have to arrange for her to be sent home immediately. Otherwise the security bond may be forfeited.


Step 4: Return her Work Permit card
Take note that Ministry of Manpower requires you to return the Work Permit card within seven days from the date of Work Permit cancellation.

You can sent the documents by post to: Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764.


Step 5: Cancel her Maid Insurance
Depending on the type of policies, you may or may not get a refund.

My plan was the NTUC MI3E, with a duration of 26 months. It is stated that I am entitled to 70% of the premium if I cancel the policy within 60 days.


Step 6: Check the status of the return of the Work Permit card
Login the the WP online portal to check the status of the return.

If it is successfully returned, you may want to print the Card Returned Acknowledgement Letter for archive purpose.