Essential Things to Know About UAE Visa Cancellation

Navigating the cancellation of your UAE visa can be quite stressful. It comes with extensive paperwork, uncertain wait times, and the risk of overlooking vital steps that often cause anxiety.

As you are also dealing with the pressure of changing jobs or planning your exit from the country, it is understandable why you, like others, postpone the process. Considering that expatriates represent 88.5% of the UAE’s population, this is a situation many will eventually encounter.

However, having a clear guide can make a big difference. By understanding each step in advance, you can reduce hassle, avoid costly mistakes, and complete the UAE visa cancellation process efficiently.

How to Cancel a UAE Visa: The Process Simplified

Your sponsor can do this on your behalf; you cannot apply for cancellation on your own. Here is the process to apply for cancelling a UAE residence visa:

1. If you have a job in the UAE, it is your employer who should apply to cancel your work permit.
2. Your sponsor must cancel your UAE visa at the same GDRFA office that originally stamped it in your passport.

Now, let us walk through the process of cancelling a UAE work visa and work permit in a clear and streamlined way.

Your employer is responsible for cancelling your work permit (Labour Card) and employment contract through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Here is the process for cancelling your work permit:

1. Your employer submits the cancellation request via the MOHRE website.
2. The required documents are uploaded online.
3. The department reviews the application and forwards it to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
4. GDRFA processes and cancels your residence visa and then notifies MOHRE, which in turn cancels your labour card.

During the UAE work permit cancellation process, your recruiter also needs to provide a letter with your signature that confirms they have given all the due wages, end-of-service documents and benefits, and any other entitlements. It is advised to only sign this letter if you have genuinely received everything you are owed.

Different Types of Visas Subject to Cancellation in the UAE

Here is a complete list of the various types of UAE visas that may need to be officially cancelled before leaving the UAE or a change in status:

● Employment Visa: The employee should acknowledge the process of employment visa cancellation in UAE.

● Partner or Investor Visa: This visa cancellation process requires an added layer of documentation, such as an NOC from other stakeholders. Moreover, the process requires evidence of closing the business or ownership transfer.

● Family or Dependent Visa: The sponsor needs to cancel the visas of dependents before cancelling theirs. For that, they need to submit evidence of financial settlements to the GDRFA.

Necessary Documents to Submit for a UAE Visa Cancellation Process

As an employee in the UAE, you must prepare the following documents before you cancel Dubai visa. These are typically submitted to your employer or designated PRO:

● Visa Holder’s Passport: The original passport is required, as it holds the stamp on the visa to be cancelled. No copies or photos are accepted.

● Visa Cancellation Form: A visa cancellation form with complete details.

● Work Permit & Labour card: These help clear up documentation with the authority.

● Emirates ID Card: It is essential to submit the Emirates ID at the time of visa cancellation.

● Benefits and Wage Clearance Letter with a Sign: Your recruiters need to provide a letter stating that all dues and termination benefits have been paid.

● Documents of Sponsors: For dependents, the sponsor must submit their passport, visa copy, and UAE Emirates ID, since they handle the entire process.

● Airline Ticket: A confirmed airline ticket may be required to verify departure if the visa holder is exiting permanently.

Grace Period After the Cancellation of the UAE Visa

The UAE allows a grace period of 30 to 180 days after UAE visa cancellation, based on the visa type. Overstaying in the UAE can lead to fines of AED 50 daily.

However, under new federal regulations effective September 1, 2024, a two-month grace period allows violators to legalise their status without incurring penalties.

Things to Consider After Cancellation of Employment Visa in UAE

There are three things you must consider after visa cancellation in the UAE. These include grace periods, financial settlements, and document retrieval.

UAE visa cancellation is more straightforward than it seems. You can handle it online, visit a typing centre, or rely on Gryffin Capitalist for affordable assistance. Before cancelling, remember to close your bank account, pay utility bills, receive all dues from your employer, cancel your tenancy contract, and sell any vehicle you own.