Do you need to cancel your visa to the UAE? Whether your visa cancellation is voluntary or not, understanding the process is essential. Here is an overview of the employment visa cancellation in UAE to help you navigate visa-related issues smoothly.
The cancellation process may vary depending on your UAE visa type. Let’s explore what happens when you need to cancel your UAE employment visa.
Why You Might Need to Cancel Your Employment Visa?
There are several reasons why you might need to cancel your UAE employment visa:
- New Job Opportunity: If you’ve got a new position with a different employer, you must cancel your visa with your current sponsor.
- Leaving the UAE: If you’re relocating to another country, visa cancellation is necessary before your departure.
- Contract Termination: In cases of mutual agreement or termination by either party, visa cancellation follows.
Important Note: Make sure to sort out any problems with your employer before starting the cancellation process. Settle any final payments, ensure you get all your owed salaries and benefits, and obtain an “end of service” certificate.
What is a Visa Cancellation Letter?
A visa cancellation letter is issued by your employer and should be submitted to the GDRFA for visa cancellation processing by your employer. It officially notifies the authorities about the termination of your employment and visa.
Who Cancels The Employment Visa in the UAE?
- The cancellation of an employment visa is typically handled by the employer or sponsor.
- The employer or sponsor must initiate and complete the visa cancellation process.
- This includes submitting the necessary documents and fees to the GDRFA in the respective emirate by your employer or sponsor.
Documents Needed for Employment Visa Cancellation in UAE
To cancel an employment visa in the UAE, you typically need to provide your employer with the following documents:
| Required Documents | Details |
| Passport | Original passport of the employee. |
| Emirates ID | Original Emirates ID card. |
| Labour Card | Original labour card (if applicable). |
| Signed Cancellation Form | A signed visa cancellation form from the employee. |
| Employment Contract | Copy of the employment contract. |
| NOC (No Objection Certificate) | If required, a No Objection Certificate from the new employer. |
| Company Documents | Copies of the company’s trade license and establishment card. |
The employer will submit these documents and any required fees to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to complete the visa cancellation process.
The Process of Employment Visa Cancellation in UAE
Step 1: Start the Cancellation Request:
- Employer initiates the process through GDRFA or ICP, depending on the emirate.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents:
- Visa Cancellation Form (signed by employer)
- Employee’s valid passport copy
- Original Emirates ID
- Original labour card
- Labour contract copy (if needed)
- The company’s trade licence copy
Step 3: Settle Outstanding Dues:
- The employer pays any outstanding salaries and end-of-service benefits.
- Confirm no pending financial obligations.
Step 4: Submit the Cancellation Request:
- The employer submits the request online or through a typing centre.
- For Dubai: They use the GDRFA portal or visit an Amer Center.
- For other emirates, they use the ICP Smart Services portal.
Step 5: Employer’s Approval:
- The employer signs the cancellation application.
- Employees may need to sign for end-of-service benefits acknowledgement.
Step 6: Pay Cancellation Fees:
- The employer pays applicable fees, varying by emirate and method.
Step 7: Receive Cancellation Confirmation:
- Employer and employee receive confirmation after approval.
Step 8: Return of Documents:
- Employer returns employee’s passport with visa cancellation stamp and other relevant documents.
Step 9: Grace Period:
- The employee has 30 days to leave the country or transfer the visa, staying legally in the UAE without fines.
UAE Employment Visa Cancellation Paper Sample
After Cancellation of Employment Visa in UAE
After visa cancellation, you have several options:
- Find a New Job: If you secure new employment, your new employer can sponsor your visa.
- Change Visa Type: Transition to a tourist visa or another type that suits your circumstances.
- Exit the Country: Plan your departure within the grace period to avoid penalties.
How Many Days Can I Stay in the UAE After Employment Visa Cancellation in 2024?
The law lets you stay in the UAE for 30 days after cancelling your employment visa. This 30-day period starts when your cancellation application is processed and approved. You can find the expiry date on the application letter.
If you overstay, you will be fined. The fine is AED 100 for the first day and AED 25 for each extra day you stay with an expired visa.
How to Check UAE Employment Visa Cancellation Status?
Checking the status of your employment visa cancellation in UAE can be done through various methods. Here are the steps for different methods:
Check UAE Employment Visa Cancellation Status Through GDRFA Website
For those whose visa was issued in Dubai, you can check the status through the GDRFA website.
Mention below are the steps:
- Step 1: Go to the GDRFA website.
- Step 2: Navigate to the “Visa Status” section.
- Step 3: Select “File” and enter your details, such as your name, DOB, nationality, and file number.
- Step 4: Clear the captcha and click on “Search”.
- Step 5: You can see the status of your visa whether it is cancelled or not.
Check UAE Employment Visa Cancellation Status Through ICP Smart Services (All Emirates)
You can use the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) Smart Services for visas issued in other emirates.
Mentioned below are the steps:
- Step 1: Visit the ICP Smart Services website.
- Step 2: Click on ‘Public Visa Services‘.
- Step 3: Select ”Cancellation of Current Visa”.
- Step 4: Enter your passport number, type, and other required details.
- Step 5: Clear the captcha and click on “Search”.
- Step 6: You can see the status of your visa whether it is cancelled or not.
Check UAE Employment Visa Cancellation Status Through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)
You can also check your visa cancellation status through MOHRE if your visa was processed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Mentioned below are the steps:
- Step 1: Visit the MOHRE website.
- Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Services’ section.
- Step 3: Select ‘Enquiry Services‘.
- Step 4: Choose “Print Electronic Work Permit” under “Choose a service.”
- Step 5: Enter your details, including your labour card number in the work permit number box, transaction number, person code and DOB.
- Step 6: Enter the captcha and click “Search.”
- Step 7: You can view the status.
What is The Grace Period After Visa Cancellation?
- The standard grace period is 30 days, but checking the specific terms of your visa type and employment contract is important.
- Overstaying this period can result in fines and legal complications.
How to Check Grace Period After Employment Visa Cancellation?
To verify your grace period
Mentioned below are the steps:
- Step 1: Go to the ICP smart services website
- Step 2: Click ‘Public Services’ and then ‘File Validity’.
- Step 3: Choose the ‘Search by File Number’ or ‘Passport Information’ option.
- Step 4: Select ‘Residency’ or “Visa”, depending on your visa type under the type section.
- Step 5: If you choose ‘Search by File Number’, enter your file number. If you choose ‘Passport Information,’ enter your passport number and expiry date.
- Step 6: Provide your Emirates Unified Number (UID), available on your visa or residency permit.
- Step 7: Select the nationality from the drop-down menu and enter your DOB in the specified format.
- Step 8: Complete the CAPTCHA challenge to verify that you are not a robot.
- Step 9: After completing the CAPTCHA, click the ‘Search’ button to see the allowed days to stay in the country (grace period) from the file cancellation date.
- Step 10: You can see your visa status, whether it is cancelled or not.
Visa Cancellation and Final Settlement
After your visa cancellation, your employer is required to provide a final settlement, which includes:
- Unpaid salary
- End-of-service benefits
- Any other pending dues.
Visa Cancellation Charges
In the UAE, the cancellation cost for an employment visa usually ranges from AED 100 to AED 200. However, these fees can change according to the relevant authorities or the GDRFA in Dubai.
Absconding Case After Visa Cancellation
If you fail to leave the UAE or regularise your status within the grace period, your previous employer may file an absconding case against you. This can result in fines, bans, and legal complications.
Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status Online by Passport Number
Here’s how to check online:
- Step 1: Go to the ICP smart services website
- Step 2: Click ‘Public Services’ and then ‘File Validity’.
- Step 3: Choose the ‘’Passport Information’ option.
- Step 4: Select ‘Residency’ or ‘Visa’ under the type section.
- Step 5: Enter your your passport number and expiry date.
- Step 6: Select the nationality from the drop-down menu and enter the DOB in the specified format.
- Step 7: Resolve the CAPTCHA challenge to verify that you are not a robot.
- Step 8: After completing the CAPTCHA, click the ‘Search’ button to see the allowed days to see the status of your visa cancellation.
- Step 9: You can see the status of your visa whether it is cancelled or not cancelled.
Here’s how to check offline:
Sometimes, you might not want to check your visa validity online. If you’d prefer to do it offline using your passport number in the UAE, here are some options:
- Call 600-522-222 and follow the instructions, providing your passport number.
- If your visa was issued in Dubai, you can check it by calling the Amer Centre at 800-5111.
- If you are outside UAE, you can check your visa validity by calling +971-4-313-9999.
Can I Claim My Pending Salary After Visa Cancellation?
You can claim your pending salary after visa cancellation in the UAE. Here’s how:
Step 1: Talk to Your Employer:
- Send a formal written request for your pending salary.
Step 2: Check Your Contract:
- Review your employment contract for payment details.
Step 3: Gather Documents:
- Collect your employment contract, salary slips, and visa cancellation proof.
Step 4: File a Complaint with MOHRE:
- Use the MOHRE online portal or visit a service centre.
- Provide your Emirates ID, labour card, contract, and salary details.
Step 5: Mediation and Court:
- MOHRE will mediate with your employer.
- If unresolved, the case goes to labour court.
Step 6: Follow Up:
- Ensure the court’s decision is enforced.
- Remember to act quickly and keep all records.
Health Insurance After Visa Cancellation in the UAE:
Health insurance is required for everyone living and working in the UAE. Your sponsor must provide coverage; most employers handle this for their employees because it is required by law. But what happens to your health insurance when your employer cancels your visa?
Your employer should continue your health insurance coverage for the 30-day grace period after your visa is cancelled. However, if your health insurance renews before this period ends, you might only be covered for 30 days.
Therefore, checking your health insurance conditions before cancelling your UAE visa is important to ensure you are covered for the whole period you remain in the country.
Final Takeaway
Understanding the process of employment visa cancellation in UAE helps make your transition smoother, whether you’re leaving the country or planning to stay. Always check your visa status and have all the necessary documents ready to avoid legal problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can an employment visa be Cancelled in UAE?
Typically, only your sponsor can cancel your residence visa; you can only do it with others. Suppose a company wants to cancel an employee’s work visa. In that case, they must first apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to cancel the employee’s labour contract and labour card.
Q. Who pays for an employment visa in UAE?
The employer is responsible for paying the work permit costs.
Q. Why is a UAE employment visa rejected?
Here are some reasons why your visa application might be rejected in Dubai, UAE:
- Information Mistake: Errors in your application, such as incorrect spelling or passport code, can lead to rejection.
- Blurry Passport Scan: If the scan of your passport is blurry, it can be rejected.
