Employment Visa Cancellation in UAE: Your Ultimate Handbook (2024)

United Arab Emirates follows a dynamic work environment, UAE employment visa cancellation is a crucial procedure that affects both employers and employees. You have to follow some steps and do the research on the requirements that are necessary to cancel the employment visa. Thus, you must follow the entire process step by step to get a successful result, that aids you in avoiding fines or negative consequences.

In this article, we will explain the step-by-step process to avoid visa cancellation and the potential fines that you might face in terms of visa cancellation. In regard to this, we will analyze closely how visa cancellation affects employment rights, residency status, and the potential risks for future employment opportunities.

This guide is for you if you are an employer who needs to cancel an employee’s visa or an employee preparing to leave a job. It will help you in providing essential information to navigate this process smoothly and successfully.

Who Can Cancel Your Employment Visa In The UAE?

Firstly, you can’t start on your own employment visa cancellation UAE process. To carry out the visa cancellation process your sponsor has to carry out the cancellation process for you.

Notably, if you reside country for a specific period of time your visa in the UAE will automatically expire. It means if you are out of the country for more than 6 months, your visa will be expired still if you have time left on the visa.

Where To Cancel UAE Employment Visa?

In order for your employer to carry out the employment visa cancellation UAE process, you have two options:

• In person at the GDRFA or General Directorate of Residency and Immigration offices.
• Online through one of the relevant emirate’s GDRFA websites or on the Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority’s website.

What is the process for canceling an employment visa in the UAE?

The process for UAE employment visa cancellation is quite simple. Simply you have to request for the cancellation of visa, which can be in person or done online. Keep in mind that only the sponsor can request the visa cancellation.

Upon canceling your dependent’s visa, you must comply with the UAE employment visa cancellation process.

• Employment Card Cancellation: First, your sponsor has to submit the worker’s employment card and employment contract. For this, he/she only has to contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.

In regard to this, the application must have the employer and employee’s signature. Furthermore, the company has to submit a letter which is signed by the employee to the Ministry of Human Resources. In which, it must be indicated that the employee received his salary and benefits at the end of service.

• Visa cancellation at the GDRFA: If your employer wishes, they can cancel the visa at the GDRFA office. Offices are available in any of the emirates and you have to use the one closest to your residence or work. There, you can request the application form at the offices, fill it out, and go in person to deliver the application to your employer.

If you want to complete the process online, For this the GDRFA has an application that you can use. You can submit the online application, but the employer has to visit the office. As an employee, you have to present your original passport and Emirates ID to complete the cancellation process.

Can I cancel my employment visa without my employer’s involvement?

The employee has no right to cancel the visa in the first place, you have to keep in mind that if you work in the UAE, your employer can first cancel your work permit. To do so, you have to go through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization website. This application must be signed by the employee and the employer.

You will always need your employer or sponsor for visa cancellation. If your employer or sponsor refuses to do so, you have to contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. There you will get the needed help and guidance.

What documents are required for employment visa cancellation?

In compliance with the UAE employment visa cancellation process, you must have the following documents:

• Cancellation form with sponsor’s signature. If the sponsor is a company, the cancellation form must have the seal and signature of the company.
• Original employee or sponsored passport.
• Original identity card of the employee or sponsored (Emirates ID).
• Photocopy of the company’s business license.
• Finally, you need a work establishment card.

Your Emirates ID card will be taken away from you, your passport will be stamped and it will be returned to you.

How long does it take to cancel an employment visa in the UAE?

The UAE employment visa cancellation process generally takes 1-5 business days. However, this duration may depend on specific circumstances. In addition, the efficiency of the different government services and departments that are in the process.

Will there be any penalties for canceling an employment visa prematurely?

Early cancellation of a visa might result in penalties, that is if you want to cancel a UAE employment visa early you must know that certain cancellation fees need to be submitted. Cancellation fees are approximately AED 1101 but it may vary from case to case depending on company policies and individual circumstances.

Can I apply for a new visa immediately after canceling my current employment visa?

Absolutely, as soon as your current employment visa is canceled, you can apply for a new one in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Verifying that your visa has been revoked by your former employer is crucial. It is essential for your new employer to apply for a new work visa on your behalf.

In contrast, you will have up to 28 days after canceling your current visa to file a new application during this grace period.

Is there a grace period provided after canceling an employment visa?

There is currently a 30-day grace period in the United Arab Emirates following the expiration of a visa. This will allow you to either change and obtain a new visa, or adjust the current one. Furthermore, throughout the grace period, you are free to leave the country at any moment.

What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my employment visa?

Only companies and employers can request a UAE employment visa cancellation. Therefore, if there are any delays for any reason in the visa cancellation, it may cause problems for the former worker.

Thus, the greatest thing you can do in these instances is to have a strong representation so that the visa cancellation issue can be rectified. Additionally, it is crucial that you seek out specialists on UAE employee rights.

Can I switch Jobs within the UAE while my employment visa cancellation is in process?

This is not possible, you must cancel your current visa and thus be able to obtain a new work visa when changing jobs. So assure you that cancel your work visa for UAE so that you can smoothly switch jobs without any hassle.

What are the consequences of not canceling an employment visa before leaving the UAE?

If you are not in the United Arab Emirates for more than six months in a row, your visa will be immediately terminated. Furthermore, you won’t be able to enter the region again with the same visa if you leave before the whole six months have passed.

Therefore, no need for you to return to the UAE for visa cancellation in case you have no idea of the future to ​​return to the UAE.

If you decide to leave the country without canceling your work resident visa, this is followed by the waiver of information from your employer, who complied with all employment termination procedures; This can report you as a fugitive, which will cause you a ban in the UAE.

This way, you will see new rejections of visa applications and if you travel to the UAE there is a possibility that you will be arrested at the airport. For this reason, you must track the proper cancellation of your visa.

Additionally, you must collect evidence of this cancellation such as the cancellation stamp on the visa page of the passport or the Cancellation paper in UAE. You must present this before you leave the country to avoid problems with future visa applications.

Are there any fees associated with employment visa cancellation?

The UAE employment visa cancellation fee is generally between 100 and 200 AED. Therefore, you should note that this amount is subject to change and you should check with the responsible authorities or the GDRFA.

This way, you will be able to get the most up-to-date information regarding this cancellation fee.

Can I cancel my employment visa online or do I need to visit a government office?

If you are wondering how to cancel an employment visa in UAE you must know this. In the UAE your sponsor can cancel your visa by following one of these steps:

• In-person by going to the offices of the General Directorate of Residency and Immigration (GDRFA).
• Online by entering the official website of the Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority or the official website that the GDRFA has for each emirate.

Will canceling my employment visa affect my residency status in the UAE?

After you have canceled your UAE work visa, you usually have a grace period to leave the country. Thus, the standard duration after visa cancellation is 30 days.

In these 30 days, you must complete the necessary procedures, such as canceling your residence, settling outstanding financial obligations, and terminating the lease.

Additionally, you should note that this duration may vary depending on your employment contract, sponsor policies, UAE labor laws, etc. Therefore, if you want more accurate information about these conditions, you should consult with the corresponding authorities.

Can I cancel my employment visa if I have outstanding debts in the UAE?

No, until you fulfill all your financial obligations you can’t leave the country or cancel your visa. So, you should cancel your credit cards, pay off all your debts, or simply get a new visa.

What happens to my Emirates ID and residence permit after employment visa cancellation?

When your UAE work visa is canceled you must follow certain steps such as:

• Cancel the work permit: Your employer must cancel the work permit once you have signed the cancellation document. In this way, you must submit the cancellation request, pay fines, and obtain the company’s statement that you received your rights.
• Cancel the residence visa: After the cancellation of your work permit, the employer proceeds to cancel your residence visa. Additionally, if you have sponsored family members you must cancel their visas first.

This way, if you decide not to renew your employment contract or you are fired, you must cancel your visa and all UAE legal documents.

Therefore, if you still have questions about this process, you can contact us. Connect Staff has professionals with extensive knowledge of this and many other legal issues in the UAE.