Extending a maid’s work permit is an important responsibility for employers. It ensures continued legal employment and a smooth working relationship. While the process is straightforward, it requires careful planning, eligibility, and compliance with regulations.
Below, we have a guide on how to extend a maid work permit. We explain the process from start to finish. Let’s start.
How to Extend Maid Work Permit
1. Check Eligibility and Expiry Date
Work permits are valid for two years. Employers should monitor the expiry date closely so they can plan properly for renewal. Before starting the process, make sure:
- Your maid’s passport is valid for the intended renewal period
- You still meet the eligibility criteria as an employer
- There are no outstanding compliance issues
2. Receive the Renewal Letter
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will send a renewal letter about 8 weeks before the work permit expires. After receiving the letter, you can renew your maid’s work permit online. The letter contains instructions for renewals and any required actions.
If you didn’t receive the letter, you can print a copy from MOM’s website.
3. Complete and Pass Medical Examination
How to extend a maid work permit? Check the renewal letter and see if your maid needs to go for a medical examination. If she does, schedule the exam early. She needs to complete and pass the latest medical check before the permit can be extended.
4. Renew Insurance and Security Bond
As an employer, you are required to maintain medical insurance coverage for your maid and a security bond. Before renewing the permit, make sure to get a new security bond and extend insurance policies or get new ones. Many insurers offer bundled renewal packages for convenience.
5. Submit the Renewal Application
The actual renewal process is done online through MOM’s FDW eService portal. Employers or authorized employment agencies can log in and submit the renewal application.
During this process, you will need to confirm details such as the maid’s passport information, residential address, and insurance coverage.
6. Pay the Required Fees
The next part of our How to Extend Maid Work Permit guide is to pay the required fees. The renewal process cost $35. Keep in mind that if there is any unpaid levy, your application will be rejected. You need to pay the levy first before proceeding.
7. Print and Check the Temporary Work Permit
Once the work permit is renewed, you will receive a temporary work permit. Print it out and read the instructions. If it states to continue using the existing card, then your maid simply needs to keep the existing card.
If it states getting a new card, cut the existing card in half and discard it to prevent misuse. The new card will be delivered to your address within 5 working days.
Also read: How to Support Your Maid’s Mental Health and Well-Being
FAQs How to Extend Maid Work Permit
When should I start the renewal process?
You should start about 6-8 weeks before the permit expires. This allows enough time to complete medical checks, insurance renewals, and application processing.
Is a medical check-up always required?
Yes. If the maid fails the exam or does not complete it, the renewal cannot proceed.
How long does the renewal process take?
If all documents are complete, approval can be quite fast, often within a few working days. Delays happen if documents are missing or incorrect.
Do I need to buy new insurance every time?
Yes, insurance must cover the full duration of the renewed permit. If the current policy is expiring, you must renew it or purchase a new one.
Can I renew the permit myself, or do I need an agency?
You can do it yourself through the official online system. That said, employers choose to use agencies as it is convenient and helps ensure the process is smooth and hassle-free.
Extending a maid’s work permit is a routine but essential task for employers that requires timely action and attention to detail. Knowing how to extend a maid work permit and proper planning will help you prepare for the renewal process. You can use an agency to make it easier as well.
Conclusion
Need assistance with work permit renewal? You can rely on us. At Status Maids, we offer a wide range of services, which include work permit renewal. As a trusted International Plaza maid agency, we ensure the process goes smoothly and hassle-free.
Our services also include direct hire, transfer maids, work permit application and cancellation, medical checkup arrangements, repatriation, and more. For enquiries, get in touch with us at Status Maids.