Canceling your UAE employment visa can feel like a major hassle. The paperwork, the waiting, and the fear of missing something important is enough to make anyone anxious. Add to that the stress of managing your job transition or preparing to leave the country, and it’s easy to see why people put it off.
With expatriates making up 89% of the UAE’s population, many face this challenge at some point. How about a simple guide to answer to make your cancellation process smoother? While there are a few steps involved, knowing exactly what to do can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
Spoiler: we give you a quick checklist to ensure you don't accidentally leave behind your sanity (or your passport).
What is Employment Visa Cancellation UAE
An employment visa cancellation is the official process of ending your work permit in the UAE. When you leave a job, whether it’s due to a career change, moving to a new country, or finishing up a contract, you need to cancel your employment visa.
This ensures you're no longer legally tied to that job in the eyes of the UAE government. 👀
The cancellation usually involves submitting documents and completing a few steps with the authorities, like your employer or a government agency. Once it’s done, you’re free to leave the country, transfer to a new job, or switch to another type of visa.
It's more like hitting the "delete" button on your work status in the UAE.
Process of Employment Visa Cancellation UAE
Canceling an employment visa in the UAE isn’t something the employee can handle on their own—it’s the employer’s job. The process is straightforward if you break it down:
Cancelling the Labour contract and card
The employer needs to start by going to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). They’ll cancel the labour contract and labour card, but it doesn’t stop there. You, as the employee, will need to sign the application to confirm your agreement.
Work permit cancellation
Before the visa itself can be canceled, the work permit has to go. The employer submits a signed letter from you to MOHRE, confirming that all your wages and end-of-service benefits have been settled.
Visa cancellation application
Once the labour contract, labour card, and work permit are sorted, the employer submits a request to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to cancel the visa.
How to cancel
There are different routes your sponsor can take for your employment visa cancellation:
- Typing Centre: The sponsor can visit an ICP-authorized typing centre, where the staff will handle the cancellation form and submit it online
- Online: The sponsor can also skip the trip and process the cancellation through the ICP website or mobile app (available on Google Play and the App Store)
What documents are required for a UAE visa cancellation?
If you're an employee in the UAE and need to cancel your visa, here’s a list of essential documents you should prepare. These will typically need to be submitted to your employer or a designated PRO (Public Relations Officer) handling the process:
- Passport of the visa holder: The original passport is a must, as it contains the visa that needs to be canceled. No photocopies or snapshots will do here!
- Emirates ID Card: The Emirates ID is your golden ticket for most official processes in the UAE, and visa cancellation is no exception. Make sure you’ve got this ready to hand over
- Labour card and work permit: For employment visa cancellation in the UAE, these are essential for clearing up documentation with MOHRE
- Sponsor’s documents: For dependents, the sponsor (whether that’s your family member or employer) must provide their passport copy, visa copy, and Emirates ID. The sponsor is the one running the show, after all
- Signed letters for benefits and wage clearance: Employees need to confirm, in writing, that all pending wages and end-of-service benefits have been settled
- Visa cancellation form: A completed visa cancellation form is required, whether it’s filled out online or at a registered typing centre
- Airline ticket (optional but sometimes required): In some cases, especially if the visa holder is leaving the country for good, a confirmed airline ticket may be requested to verify the departure date
Where to Cancel a UAE Employment visa?
The process usually takes place at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where your visa was issued. Let’s break it down further:
- Employer handles it: In most cases, your employer is responsible for canceling your visa. They initiate the process through GDRFA’s online portal or service center. This means you won’t have to camp out in long queues or deal with the paperwork
- Authorized typing centers: If online isn’t your thing (or your employer’s), authorized typing centers can help. These centers prepare and submit the cancellation application on behalf of your company
- At the airport (in some cases): If you're leaving the country permanently and time is tight, some visas can be canceled at the airport. But don’t bank on this unless your employer has confirmed it’s a viable option
How long does it take to get a UAE visa cancelled?
Canceling your UAE employment visa doesn’t take forever, but it’s not an instant process either. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 working days once all the documents are submitted and everything is in order. If everything goes smoothly, the process can be faster.
However, any missing paperwork or delays on the employer’s side could stretch it out a bit longer. Of course, this timeline could vary depending on where and how you’re canceling your visa
Note: Your Emirates ID is not valid once your employment visa is canceled. You’ll need to hand it over to the authorities as part of the cancellation process. So, don’t forget to return it before you leave!
Checklist for canceling a UAE employment visa
Here's a quick checklist to help you through the last-minute hassle:
☐ Confirm if your employer is handling the visa cancellation
☐ Verify the mode of cancellation (online, typing center, or airport)
☐ Collect passport, Emirates ID, copy of UAE visa page, signed cancellation form from employer
☐ Ensure all end-of-service benefits and dues are cleared
☐ Close any outstanding loans or credit cards, if applicable
☐ Confirm that your health insurance policy has been canceled by your employer
☐ Plan for the 30-day grace period to either transfer to a new visa or exit the UAE
☐ Check your visa status via the GDRFA or ICA online portal to confirm cancellation
☐ If canceling at the airport, ensure pre-arrangements are made by your employer
☐ Arrive early at the airport for cancellation processing
☐ Keep copies of your canceled visa, Emirates ID, and official letters for your records
What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my employment visa?
If your employer refuses to cancel your employment visa, it can create a tricky situation. Technically, your employer is responsible for initiating the cancellation process, but if they refuse, you're still legally tied to that visa. Leaving the country without cancelling can lead to penalties or fines.
In cases like this, you have a few options. You can escalate the issue by contacting the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). They can help mediate the situation and ensure your visa gets canceled.
You might also be able to take matters into your own hands by approaching an authorized typing center to submit a cancellation application on your behalf.
Employment visa cancellation from employer
If you, as an employer, need to cancel an employee's UAE employment visa, the process is fairly straightforward. As the sponsor, you're legally responsible for handling the visa cancellation when an employee leaves their job, whether they’re resigning, finishing a contract, or leaving the country.
Here's what you need to do:
Submit the application form
You can cancel the visa online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or at an authorized typing center. Most employers handle this online, which is quicker and more efficient.
Gather the documents
You’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as the employee’s passport, Emirates ID, and their labor card if applicable. Don't forget to get the employee’s consent to cancel the visa.
Return the Emirates ID card
Once the visa is canceled, the employee must return their Emirates ID. This is crucial since the ID is no longer valid once the visa is canceled.
Pay any outstanding fines
If there are any fines (for instance, if the visa is not canceled on time), as the employer, you’ll be responsible for clearing them before you can complete the cancellation.
Complete the process
Once everything is submitted and the necessary steps are completed, the cancellation will be processed. It usually takes 1-2 working days, but keep in mind there might be a small delay depending on the workload.
💡Pro Tip: A common mistake employers make is failing to cancel the employee’s health insurance along with the visa. While the visa cancellation is the priority, neglecting to end the health insurance coverage can lead to unnecessary charges for the company. Make sure to update the insurer about the employee’s departure to avoid any surprise fees later!
Will there be any penalties for canceling an employment visa prematurely?
Yes, canceling an employment visa prematurely can result in penalties depending on your situation. If you're still within your probation period or haven’t completed six months of employment, you might face the following:
- Visa cost recovery: Employers may require you to reimburse the costs of issuing your visa, including medical tests and processing fees
- Labor ban: In some cases, a six-month labor ban might be imposed, particularly if the cancellation wasn’t mutually agreed upon or if your resignation violated contractual terms
- Fines or penalties: If the visa cancellation wasn’t handled in line with UAE labor laws, there could be financial penalties
Always check your contract and consult with your employer to avoid unexpected issues!
Consequences of Leaving the UAE Without Visa Cancellation
Whether you leave the UAE without canceling your employment visa or overstay hoping you won’t get traced, it’s a risky move. And it’s more common than you might think! Such decisions often lead to fines that take people straight to Quora. Here's what a gentleman asked:
If this alone isn't enough to convince you why UAE visa cancellation process should be your priority. Here are some more reasons:
- Hefty fines and penalties: You might face hefty fines for overstaying your visa, and the longer you stay without canceling, the more it can add up. In fact, one agency was fined nearly 2.2 Crores after around 2000 visa holders overstayed and went untraced by the authorities
- Blacklisting: If you leave without canceling your visa, the UAE authorities might blacklist you, which could prevent you from entering the country for future work or travel
- Trouble getting a new visa: If you plan to return to the UAE or apply for a new visa, the previous unpaid fines and unresolved visa issues could make this process complicated or even impossible
- Legal complications: Leaving without a canceled visa could also lead to legal issues, including problems with your labor or residency status
Simplify UAE Visa Cancellation with Darwinbox
Let’s be real—canceling employment visas isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. The paperwork, the deadlines, and the risk of messing it up can all be a little too overwhelming.
That’s where Darwinbox comes in. This all-in-one HR management platform streamlines visa and document management. With features that track employee visa statuses, automate reminders for renewals or cancellations, and centralize all employee documents, it reduces the risk of errors.
For employers, it’s about staying compliant and efficient. For employees, it’s about knowing that every step is taken care of. Whether you're managing a growing team or transitioning employees, a tool that takes away the hassle is essential.
Want to learn more about how it can help? Book a demo today!
FAQs
How many days can I stay in the UAE after the employment visa cancellation?
Once your employment visa is canceled, you’ll typically have 30 days to wrap up your affairs and leave the country. Stay beyond that and you might face fines or other penalties.
What happens when your work visa is cancelled in the UAE?
When your work visa gets canceled, your residency status in the UAE is revoked. You won’t be able to use your Emirates ID, and you'll lose access to certain services. However, you’ll get a 30-day grace period to either leave the country or transition to another visa.
How much is the cancellation fee for a UAE work visa?
The cancellation fee for a work visa usually falls between AED 100 to AED 250, but it can vary depending on your visa type and the emirate you're in. Be mindful, there could be extra fees for things like health insurance or penalties for late cancellation.
Can I use my Emirates ID after visa cancellation?
Once your visa is canceled, your Emirates ID becomes invalid. So, no, you won’t be able to use it anymore. Don’t forget to return it to avoid any fines!
Can I cancel my employment visa before 6 months?
Yes, you can cancel your employment visa before completing 6 months. However, if you choose to do so, you might be subject to certain penalties, like paying for the visa issuance or fines for early termination.
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