- You pay her air ticket with check-in luggage, plus connecting transport to the port nearest her hometown
- She must fly within 2 weeks of the Work Permit cancellation
- Cancel the Work Permit within 1 week of her last day of work
- Print the Special Pass. She shows it with her passport at immigration
- Settle all salary owed and agree transit plans in writing before buying the ticket
- Your $5,000 security bond is usually discharged about 1 week after she leaves
The contract is ending.
Or maybe things just did not work out.
Either way, your helper is going home, and MOM has a clear list of what you must do.
Here it is, in the order you will actually do it.
What Are the Steps to Send My Maid Home?
What Are the MOM Deadlines When Sending a Maid Home?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Deadline | What you must do |
|---|---|
| 1 week | Cancel her Work Permit after her last day of work |
| 2 weeks | Her departure date, counted from the cancellation |
| Special Pass expiry | She must leave before it expires, or overstaying fines apply |
| About 1 week after she flies | Security bond is usually discharged, if all conditions are met |
Already flew home on leave and not coming back? Cancel within 1 week of her departure date instead.
Who Pays for My Maid's Flight Home?
You do.
MOM requires the employer to cover:
- An air ticket with check-in luggage (two years of belongings do not fit in 7kg)
- All connecting transport to the international port of entry nearest her hometown
- A transit allowance for meals during layovers, agreed with her beforehand
What Must I Settle With My Maid Before She Leaves?
How Much Notice Do I Give My Maid and the Agency?
Check your employment contract. Many state 30 days, or salary in lieu.
If your helper came through an agency, tell them before you cancel the permit. In the first 6 months, skipping this can cost you your fee refund (see our guide on helpers who want to go back to the agency).
Some agencies also offer lodging, if she needs somewhere to stay before her flight. Ask about cost first.
How Do I Tell My Maid She Is Going Home?
- Write your reasons down first. Facts, examples, no drama.
- Pick a private, quiet moment. Not in front of the kids.
- Thank her, then be clear. State the last day and that all dues will be paid.
- Explain the logistics. Ticket, luggage, allowance, who drives her to Changi.
Worried about a bad reaction? Some employers tell the helper closer to the flight, or hire a maid runner to escort her to the airport.
Whatever the timing, every legal step above still applies. Cancel properly, pay fully, keep the paperwork.
When Will I Get My Security Bond Back?
MOM says it is usually discharged about 1 week after she leaves, once it verifies her departure and all conditions are met.
The common snag? She did not leave before the Special Pass expired. Book that flight early.
How Do I Say Goodbye Well?
Help her pack.
Drive her to Changi if you can.
A sincere thank you (and maybe a small red packet) goes a long way. She looked after your home. That deserves a proper send-off.
Browse thousands of helper profiles from agencies across Singapore, all in one place.
Browse SearchmaidSource: MOM, Cancel a Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker. Rules can change, so check mom.gov.sg before you act.
P.S. Pay for the check-in luggage. Trust me... you do not want to be the one explaining to Changi why 40kg of Milo and rice cookers is "carry-on".
