Work Permit Rejected or Delayed? Common Reasons and What to Do

You’ve found the right helper, agreed the terms and applied for her work permit. Then MOM rejects the application, or it seems to take forever. It’s frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean the end of the road.

This guide explains the most common reasons a domestic helper’s work permit is rejected or delayed, and what you can do next.

How often are applications rejected?

Most applications are approved. MOM has said that about 5% of applications to hire migrant domestic workers were rejected in 2019 and 2020. The reasons are the same whether you apply yourself or through an agency. MOM doesn’t always give a detailed reason in its reply, which is why it helps to know the common ones.

Reasons on the employer’s side

MOM checks whether you, as the employer, are eligible and able to support a helper. An application may be rejected if:

• You don’t meet the basic requirements: you must be at least 21, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to understand and carry out your duties as an employer.
• You haven’t completed the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), if it’s your first time hiring a helper.
• MOM isn’t satisfied that your household can support a helper, for example based on your finances or household needs.
• You have a poor record as an employer, such as past breaches of work permit conditions or a history of mistreatment.
• Your own pass is close to expiry or has issues, if you’re a foreigner.

Reasons on the helper’s side

MOM also checks the helper against its helper eligibility rules. Common issues include:

• Age: she must be from 23 to below 50 years old when you apply. Helpers aged 50 and above can only renew their work permits, until they turn 60.
• Education: at least 8 years of formal education, with a recognised certificate as proof.
• Nationality: she must come from an approved source country or region: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan or Thailand.
• Past employment record: for example, if she was previously in Singapore and left her employer improperly, or broke permit conditions.
• Medical results: if she fails the medical examination, her permit won’t be issued.
• Incorrect or inconsistent information: such as a different date of birth or name spelling across documents.

Delays: what’s normal and what to check

Most applications get an outcome within about a week, but some take longer, especially if MOM needs more information. If yours is taking longer:

• Log in to MOM’s online services and check whether MOM has asked for documents.
• Check the details you submitted, such as her passport number, name and date of birth.
• Make sure you’ve completed the EOP, if required.
• If you used an agency, ask them for an update: they can see the application status too.

What to do if your application is rejected

1. Find out the reason. Check the outcome letter and MOM’s online services. If no reason is given, you can contact MOM to ask.
2. Fix what you can. For example, complete the EOP, correct wrong details, or provide missing documents.
3. Reapply or appeal. If the issue was fixable, a new application may succeed. You can also appeal, but MOM has noted that appeals without new information are often unsuccessful, so only appeal if something has changed or you have new information.
4. Consider a different helper, if the reason was about her eligibility (for example, her age or education).

Lower your risk next time

• Check your own eligibility first on MOM’s employer requirements page.
• Complete the EOP early, before you start interviewing.
• Check the helper’s documents for consistent names, dates and education certificates. Our guide on what to watch out for in a helper’s biodata can help.
• Consider a transfer helper. Transfer helpers are already working in Singapore, so they’ve already met MOM’s requirements once.

For the full application steps, read how to apply for an FDW work permit in Singapore. Renewing instead? See how to renew your domestic worker’s work permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal a rejected maid work permit?

Yes, but appeals are rarely successful unless you have new information or something has changed. Often it’s better to fix the issue and reapply.

Will MOM tell me why my helper’s work permit was rejected?

Not always in detail. Check your outcome letter and MOM’s online services, and contact MOM if you need to understand the reason.

How long does a maid work permit application take?

Most applications get an outcome within about a week, though some take longer if MOM needs more information.

Can a helper over 50 work in Singapore?

A new work permit application needs the helper to be from 23 to below 50 years old. A helper aged 50 or above can only renew her existing work permit, until she turns 60.