The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracts millions of expatriates every year for employment, business, and tourism, making it one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world. While obtaining a visa to live and work in the UAE is a significant process, there may come a time when a visa must be canceled, whether due to a change in employment, departure from the country, or transition to a new visa type.
This article provides a detailed overview of the UAE visa cancellation process, the reasons behind it, the necessary steps to follow, and important considerations for both employers and visa holders.
1. What is UAE Visa Cancellation?
Visa cancellation refers to the official process of terminating a UAE visa that grants residency or work rights in the country. This is typically done when an individual no longer requires their current visa, such as when they leave a job, move to another country, or change their visa status (e.g., from employment to spouse sponsorship). Once canceled, the visa holder is no longer authorized to live or work in the UAE under that specific visa.
Visa cancellation must be properly completed to avoid legal issues, fines, or restrictions on future visits or employment in the UAE.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
2. Reasons for UAE Visa Cancellation
There are several situations where a UAE visa may need to be canceled, including:
- End of Employment: When an individual leaves their job, either by resigning or being terminated, their employment visa must be canceled.
- Departure from the UAE: Individuals who permanently leave the UAE must cancel their residency visa, even if they have not completed the visa’s full duration.
- Change of Employment: A visa holder changing jobs in the UAE will need their current visa canceled before their new employer can apply for a new one.
- Transition to a New Visa Type: When switching to a different visa category (e.g., from employment to spouse sponsorship or investor visa), the existing visa must be canceled.
- Business Closure: For business owners or investors holding a UAE visa, the visa must be canceled if the business is shut down or sold.
- Absence from the UAE: If a resident stays outside the UAE for more than 6 months, their visa is automatically invalidated, and a cancellation process may be initiated.
3. Who is Responsible for Visa Cancellation?
The responsibility for visa cancellation usually falls on the sponsor of the visa. This could be an employer, family member, or the visa holder themselves, depending on the type of visa:
- Employment Visa: The employer (sponsor) is responsible for canceling the visa when an employee leaves the company.
- Family Visa: The sponsor (usually a family member) is responsible for canceling the visa for dependents if necessary.
- Investor or Partner Visa: The visa holder or their company must handle the cancellation if the business or investment status changes.
It is crucial to note that visa cancellation is not automatic, and the cancellation process must be formally initiated and completed by the relevant sponsor.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
4. Steps to Cancel a UAE Visa
The visa cancellation process is straightforward but involves specific steps that must be followed to ensure that the visa is properly terminated. Below is the general process for canceling a UAE visa:
a. Obtain Clearance from the Employer
If the visa is sponsored by an employer, the first step is to obtain clearance from the company. This typically involves completing any required formalities such as:
- Submitting resignation (in the case of the employee).
- Clearing any outstanding dues or financial obligations.
- Returning company property such as ID cards, work devices, or uniforms.
b. Cancellation of Work Permit (for Employment Visas)
Before canceling the residency visa, the employer must first cancel the employee’s labor card and work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This step is mandatory for employment visa holders.
- How to cancel: The employer files a work permit cancellation request online via MOHRE’s portal.
- Required documents: Employee’s passport, labor card, and a signed cancellation form from both the employer and employee.
c. Application for Residency Visa Cancellation
After the labor card cancellation, the residency visa must be canceled. The sponsor (employer, family member, or visa holder) submits the visa cancellation request to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This can be done either online or at a GDRFA service center.
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- Required documents:
- Passport of the visa holder.
- Emirates ID of the visa holder.
- Cancellation request form signed by both parties (for employment visas).
- Company documents (for investor/partner visas).
- Proof of settlement of any outstanding payments or fines (if applicable).
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
d. Processing and Receiving Cancellation
Once the application is submitted, the cancellation is usually processed within a few business days. Upon approval, the visa is officially canceled, and the sponsor or visa holder will receive a cancellation document or stamp on the passport.
e. Return of Emirates ID
The visa holder’s Emirates ID must be returned to the relevant authorities as part of the cancellation process. The ID will be deactivated, and a new one will be issued if the individual applies for a new visa in the future.
f. Grace Period After Visa Cancellation
Once the visa is canceled, the individual has a grace period to either leave the UAE or apply for a new visa. The grace period is typically 30 days from the date of cancellation, though this can vary depending on visa type. During this period, the individual can legally stay in the UAE without a valid visa but must take action before the grace period ends to avoid fines or penalties.
5. Important Considerations and Tips
a. Clear All Financial Obligations
Before canceling the visa, it is essential to clear any outstanding financial obligations, such as loans, credit card payments, or utility bills. Failure to settle debts could lead to legal issues or travel restrictions.
b. Close Bank Accounts
If you are leaving the UAE permanently, make sure to close any bank accounts and cancel credit cards. This will prevent any future financial complications or charges.
c. Cancel Housing Contracts
Residents should cancel their rental agreements and utility services (electricity, water, etc.) before leaving the country to avoid unnecessary charges. Landlords usually require a 30-day notice period, so plan accordingly.
d. Travel Plans
If you plan to leave the UAE immediately after the visa cancellation, ensure that your flight is booked within the grace period to avoid overstaying.
e. Exit Process for Employees
For employment visa holders, the employer must provide an end-of-service settlement, including payment of any pending salaries, gratuity (if applicable), and other entitlements as per UAE labor law. Employees should review the settlement carefully before signing any final paperwork.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
6. Visa Cancellation for Family Members
For individuals holding a family visa (e.g., spouse or child visa), the process is similar, but the sponsor (the head of the household) must handle the cancellation process. It is essential to cancel dependents’ visas before canceling the sponsor’s visa. If the sponsor’s visa is canceled first, all dependent visas automatically become invalid.
7. Visa Cancellation for Business Owners and Investors
For business owners or investors who hold partner or investor visas, the visa cancellation process requires additional steps, including:
- Business closure or sale: Proper documentation showing the closure or transfer of business ownership must be submitted.
- Company clearance: The individual must ensure that all business liabilities, taxes, and obligations are settled before canceling the visa.
8. Consequences of Not Cancelling a Visa
Failure to properly cancel a UAE visa can lead to several issues, including:
- Overstay fines: If an individual stays in the UAE beyond the grace period without a valid visa, they will incur overstay fines, which can accumulate daily.
- Legal issues: Unresolved visa status may lead to travel restrictions, difficulty applying for future visas, and legal complications.
- Employment issues: An uncanceled employment visa could hinder the individual from obtaining a new work permit.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
The UAE visa cancellation process is an essential step for anyone who is leaving the country, changing jobs, or transitioning to a new visa type. Understanding the procedures and ensuring all formalities are completed correctly will help avoid any legal or financial complications. Whether you are an employee, family member, or investor, following the right steps and completing the necessary paperwork will ensure a smooth transition, allowing you to move forward with your plans without unnecessary delays or penalties.
