Imagine John, a skilled technician in Abu Dhabi, receiving an exciting job offer. Before he can move forward, there’s one critical legal step to complete: employment visa cancellation in the UAE. Whether you’re changing jobs, relocating, or ending your stay, employment visa cancellation in the UAE is essential to close your records cleanly and legally.
Need legal help with visa cancellation? Tap the WhatsApp button below to consult with our licensed UAE lawyers.
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What is “Employment Visa Cancellation in the UAE”?
Employment visa cancellation involves formally terminating both the employment contract and its associated valid residence visa and work permit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) cancels the work permit, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP/GDRFA) processes the visa cancellation.
This procedure marks the legal end of your sponsor-employee relationship and allows you to leave the UAE, transition to another employer, or apply for a new visa category.
Key Legal Framework
The visa cancellation process is governed by federal law and official portals.
- UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021): Empowers employers to cancel work permits once salaries and end-of-service benefits are settled.
- MoHRE Service “Cancellation of Work Permits and Employment Contracts”: Requires employer and employee to sign, proof of dues settlement, and payment of any fines.
- ICP/GDRFA Visa Cancellation Regulations: After MoHRE action, the residence visa is processed for cancellation online or via typing centres.
Step-by-Step Guide to Employment Visa Cancellation
Below is a breakdown of the main stages involved in employment visa cancellation in UAE:
1. Settlement of Employee Claims
Ensure full payment of outstanding salary, unpaid leave, end-of-service gratuity, and any other entitlements. The employee must acknowledge receipt in writing.
2. Cancellation of Work Permit via MoHRE
Employer logs into MoHRE via UAE Pass, submits the cancellation request signed by both parties, and clears any pending fines. MoHRE processes this within about 2 working days.
3. Cancelling the Employment Visa via ICP/GDRFA
Once the work permit is canceled, the employer or PRO must submit the visa cancellation online or at a typing centre.
4. Submission of Passport & Emirates ID
After approval, the Emirates ID becomes invalid and must be canceled or returned. The residence visa is stamped “canceled” on the passport.
5. Grace Period
Employees typically receive a 30–60 day grace period to either exit or transfer sponsorship. This period may extend up to 180 days for certain professional categories.
6. Departure or Re-entry
After visa cancellation, the employee must either leave the UAE or transfer to a new sponsor within the grace period.
Why Visa Cancellation Matters
Failing to cancel your visa can lead to legal trouble and financial penalties.
- Protect Your Future: Without official cancellation, your visa remains active—posing a risk of penalties or travel bans.
- Legal Compliance: Required under UAE law to avoid daily fines (~AED 50) for overstays.
- Access to New Opportunities: Only after cancellation can you apply for a fresh work permit or change visa status.
Common Pitfalls & Solutions
Here are frequent problems employees face during visa cancellation, and how to resolve them.
| Issue | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Employer delayed or refuses cancellation | Visa stays active → fines, employer non-cooperative | File MoHRE complaint—MoHRE intervenes within ~10 days. |
| Unsettled fines on work permit | MoHRE rejects cancellation | Employer must clear fines before proceeding |
| Lost Emirates ID | Delays visa stamping | Return card to authorities or typing centre—get receipt |
| Overstaying Grace Period | AED 50 fine/day + possible ban | Plan leaving/transfer before grace ends |
Tips for Smooth Cancellation
Follow these legal tips to avoid delays and protect your record.
- Obtain a signed clearance letter from your employer confirming due settlement.
- Choose online cancellation via MoHRE and ICP/GDRFA apps for efficiency.
- Keep electronic and physical proofs—screenshots or printed confirmation messages.
- Use MoHRE’s helpline (600590000) or ICP chat support if issues arise.
FAQ
Navigating employment visa cancellation in the UAE correctly protects you from penalties, travel bans, and legal hurdles. It finalizes your employment relationship with transparency and legal compliance.
If you need expert legal support to manage the process smoothly, contact our employment lawyers in Dubai via WhatsApp—we’ll handle every step with precision and care.
Read about Best Visa Lawyer Services in the UAE and Best Immigration Visa Lawyer Services.
A legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law. He regularly publishes articles on the website and writes on various areas of UAE law, with a specific focus on labor law.
