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

In the dynamic work environment existing in the United Arab Emirates, employment visa cancellation UAE is a crucial process and affects both employees and employers. To correctly cancel the employment visa you have to do some research on the requirements and the steps to follow. Thus, you can go through the entire process and have a successful result, completely avoiding any fine or negative consequences.

In this article, we will break down the necessary steps, potential fines, and options available for those facing cancellation of their UAE employment visa. Additionally, we will analyze how cancellation affects residency status, employment rights, and the potential for future employment opportunities. Whether you are an employee preparing to leave a job or an employer who needs to cancel an employee’s visa, this guide will provide you with essential information to navigate this process successfully.

Who Can Cancel Your Employment Visa In The UAE?

Initially, you have to know that you cannot go through the employment visa cancellation UAE process. In order to carry it out, your sponsor is the one who has to carry out the cancellation process for you.

Additionally, it is worth noting that your visa in the UAE will automatically expire when you remain outside the country for a specific time. That is, if you are out of the country for more than six months, your visa will expire even if you still 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 GDRFA websites of the relevant emirate or on the website of the Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority.

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

The employment visa cancellation UAE process is quite simple to follow. You simply have to request the cancellation, which can be online or in person. It is important to keep in mind that the sponsor must be the person who is going to request the cancellation.

If you are canceling the visa of your dependents, then it is your obligation to comply with the employment visa cancellation UAE process.

• Cancellation of the employment card: Initially, your sponsor has to submit the request to cancel the worker’s employment contract and employment card. To do this, the employer only has to contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.

On the other hand, the application must have the signature of the employee and the employer. Additionally, the company has to submit a letter 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.

On the other hand, the GDRFA has an application that you can use if you want to complete the process online. It is important to note that although you can submit the application online, the employer has to visit the office. To complete the cancellation process, you have to present your Emirates ID and your original passport.

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

Any employee has to keep in mind that if you work in the UAE, your employer must first cancel your work permit. That is the work card. To do this, you can do so through the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. Additionally, this application must be signed by you and the employer.

In summary, you will always need your sponsor and employer to cancel the visa for you. If your sponsor or employer refuses to do so, you have to contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. They will provide you with the help or guidance you need.

What documents are required for employment visa cancellation?

In order to comply with the employment visa cancellation UAE process, you need 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.

You have to know that your Emirates ID card will be taken away, 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 employment visa cancellation UAE process usually takes 1 to 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?

If you want to cancel an employment visa in the UAE early, that is, ahead of time you have to know that there are certain cancellation fees. Generally, cancellation fees are approximately AED 1101. These fees may vary depending on individual circumstances and company policies.

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

Yes, you can apply for a new visa after canceling your current employment visa in the United Arab Emirates. For this, it is important to make sure that your previous employer has canceled your visa. This way, the new employer can request a new employment visa for you.

On the other hand, you will have a grace period to submit the application for a new visa. This time is a maximum of 28 days after canceling your current visa.

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

Currently, the United Arab Emirates has a 30-day grace period after visa expiration. Thanks to this you will be able to modify the visa or change and obtain a new visa. Additionally, you have the ability to leave the country at any time during the grace period.

On the other hand, it is important to mention that there are conversations to extend this grace period. However, at the time of writing this article, they are not commenting on an official extension of the period.

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

It is important to remember that only employers and companies can request an employment visa cancellation. Therefore, if an employer does not want or delays the cancellation of the visa, it may cause problems for its former worker.

Thus, the best thing you can do in these cases is to have good representation so that the unfortunate situation can be resolved. Additionally, it is important that you seek out experts 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. Therefore, make sure to cancel your work visa so that you can change jobs without any inconvenience.

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

If you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months, your visa will be automatically cancelled. Additionally, if you do not enter the country before the 6 months are completed you will not be allowed to enter later with the same visa.

Therefore, there is no need for you to return to the UAE to cancel your visa in case you have no idea of ​​returning to the UAE again in the future.

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, it is important that you 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 it is important that you 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 on 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, it is advisable that you consult with the corresponding authorities.

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

You will not be able to cancel your visa or leave the country until you meet all your financial obligations. This way, you have to pay off all your debts, cancel your credit cards, 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.