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).
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
There are different routes your sponsor can take for your employment 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:
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:
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!
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
Always check your contract and consult with your employer to avoid unexpected issues!
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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.