Singapore Work Pass Cancellation Guide
Canceling your Work Pass in Singapore is quite straightforward and can be done online. In Singapore, when you get laid off, or move on from one company to another, or decide to leave the country you must cancel your Work Pass.
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From helping you plan for canceling your Employment Pass to guiding you through the process, this Pacific Prime article covers everything you need to know about canceling an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore.
Canceling your EP in Singapore involves several steps, one of them being tax clearing procedures, which is especially important for those leaving the country permanently. Having all your documents in hand before you begin the process is crucial.
Note that it is also very important that you cancel your EP as soon as you receive your resignation letter. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements and regulations involved in canceling a work pass in Singapore.
When To Cancel An Employment Pass In Singapore?
Whenever you decide to quit your job and leave the country permanently, you must cancel your EP in the Lion City. However, there are other instances when you need to cancel your EP, such as:
- You want to relocate permanently from Singapore after being laid off by your current employer.
- You would like to resign from your current job and start working for a new employer in Singapore.
- Leave your current job and start your own business in Singapore.
- You have been dismissed by your current employer and want to look for new job opportunities in Singapore.
Important Note: You must make sure to cancel your EP within 1 week of the last day of your notice or one day after your work permit expires. Keep in mind that the cancellation process takes approximately three days.
How To Cancel Singapore Work Pass When Leaving For Good?
One of the most important things you need to do before you leave Singapore for good is to cancel your work pass. If you are planning to move out of Singapore along with your family or dependents, here’s what you need to do:
- You need to cancel your work pass before the last day of employment, which is usually at the time of resignation or termination notice.
- The work pass will be considered canceled from the last day of work, and you and your dependents should not remain in Singapore unless you have other valid passes to continue living in the country.
- There is a seven-day window to cancel passes in the event of sudden resignation or termination without proper notice. A 30-day Short Term Visit Pass (STVP) will be issued to you and your dependents if you are in Singapore during the cancellation period.
Resigning From Your Existing Job And Joining A New Company
If you change your job in Singapore, you will need to apply for a new work pass as the work pass is linked to a specific employer. It is recommended that you wait for the new pass to be approved before canceling your existing pass.
Similarly, if you are leaving your current job to start a business in Singapore, you will need to apply for a work pass. Here’s a brief overview of the cancellation process:
- The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will send you an In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter to the address provided in your application once your new work pass application has been approved. The same procedure will be used to process any attachments related to your work pass.
- Upon receipt of the IPA letter for your new work pass, you may cancel your current work pass upon termination of employment with your previous employer. If your primary work pass is canceled, any associated passes attached to your primary work pass will automatically be canceled.
Work Pass During Your Notice Period
In case you get laid off in Singapore, there are two different ways to deal with the situation depending on whether your employer gives you a notice period or not. Let’s take a closer look at both situations:
Laid Off With Notice Period:
- If you are dismissed with notice, it is important that you find a new job before your last day of employment. And if you manage to find a new job within the notice period, your new employer will usually apply for your work pass and related passes on your behalf.
- Once your new work pass is approved, the In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter will be sent to the address you provide.
- You can cancel your existing work pass with your previous employer when you receive the IPS letter for your new pass. Note that any other credentials attached to your primary credential will be automatically canceled.
Laid Off Without a Notice Period:
- You have seven days from the date of termination to cancel your work pass and related passes if you are terminated without notice before your last day of employment.
- You will then be issued a Short Term Visitor’s Permit (STVP) to stay in Singapore for a limited period of time. During this time, you must find a new job and apply for a new work permit.
- Note that there are penalties for overstaying if you do not obtain a valid permit before the STVP expires.
How To Cancel Work Pass In Singapore?
Whether you have been laid off, have decided to leave Singapore, or are starting your own business in the country, the first thing you need to do is cancel your work pass. Here’s how to cancel your work pass:
- You can cancel your work pass in Singapore or a company representative can do it on your behalf online – WP Online.
- You must submit the work pass and the pass holder’s travel document/passport.
- Upon submitting your cancellation request, you will immediately receive a confirmation letter and a short-term visit pass (valid for 30 days). This means that your work pass has been canceled.
- Along with the work pass, all other passes (including dependent passes and long-term visit passes) will be canceled.
- You must return your original work pass and other related passes to the MOM building. You can also mail the documents within seven days from the date of cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cancel your own work permit in Singapore?
Yes, you can cancel your own work pass in Singapore by logging into WP Online. Once you have canceled your pass online, you can go ahead and print the special pass and give it to your employer to stay in Singapore before leaving the country for good.
How long can I stay in Singapore after my work pass is canceled?
When you cancel your work permit in Singapore, you will receive a confirmation letter and a 30-day short-term visit (STV) pass. Basically, you have 30 days to find a new job or leave Singapore with your dependents.
What happens if I overstay my STV in Singapore?
Please note that there are severe penalties for overstaying your visa in Singapore. The Singapore government gives you 30 days (from the day your work pass is canceled) to find another job or pay your taxes and pack up to leave the country.
Conclusion
While canceling your work permit in Singapore is fairly straightforward, you need to do it quickly as you only have seven days to do so or you will face hefty penalties. We have put together a guide on Singapore visas for US citizens and Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme for Family Members to help you with the process.
Another important thing you will need to secure is a comprehensive health insurance solution for you and your family. Paying out of pocket in Singapore can be very expensive and Pacific Prime will help you find the right plan in no time.
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime has helped thousands of expats in Singapore secure comprehensive health insurance plans. Contact one of Pacific Prime’s insurance experts today for a free quote!
Comments
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What are some tips for managing financial obligations, such as bank accounts and credit cards, when canceling your Employment Pass in Singapore?
When canceling your Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, it’s important to settle your financial obligations by closing any local bank accounts, repaying outstanding credit card balances, and notifying financial institutions of your departure to avoid potential complications. Ensure you cancel automatic payments and transfer funds to an account you can access outside of Singapore. Additionally, keep copies of financial records and confirm with your bank or credit card provider if there are any fees or conditions associated with account closures.
For further assistance with health insurance or other expat-related concerns, feel free to reach out to Pacific Prime through our Contact Us page for tailored advice.
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