Work Permit and Visa Cancellation Procedures in UAE

The process of employment visa cancellation UAE involves multiple steps, ensuring legal compliance for both employees and employers. Whether you are transitioning to a new job, leaving the country, or changing sponsorship, following the correct procedures helps avoid legal issues.

Understanding the responsibilities, required documents, and steps involved makes the cancellation process smoother. Notably, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the processing time for cancelling a residence permit is approximately 48 hours, providing clarity on the expected timeline.

Below is a detailed guide on work permit and visa cancellation in the UAE. Let’s begin with the basics and understand what is a work permit and employment visa in the UAE.

What is a Work Permit and Visa in the UAE?

A work permit and an employment visa in the UAE are two distinct but interconnected documents that allow foreign nationals to legally work and reside in the country. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for both employers and employees.

• Work Permit – The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) oversees labor relations in the UAE, ensuring fair employment practices and regulating the labor market. MOHRE issues work permits, authorizing foreign nationals to work for specific employers, while promoting Emiratisation and protecting workers' rights across the nation.
• Employment Visa – Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)—the authority responsible for managing residency, visas, entry permits, and foreign affairs in the UAE—this document grants an individual the legal right to reside and work in the UAE.

For example, Ali, an IT professional from India, secures a job in Dubai. His employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE, allowing him to start working. After this, the employer processes his employment visa through GDRFA, enabling him to live legally in the UAE.

If Ali decides to leave the job, the employer must cancel both his work permit and visa before he can exit or transfer to another employer. Failing to do so could result in fines or legal complications.

With these basics covered, let’s now explore who is responsible for visa and work permit cancellation and the steps involved.

Who Is Responsible for Visa and Work Permit Cancellation?

When an employee leaves a company in the UAE, the employer (sponsor) is responsible for initiating the work permit and visa cancellation process. The process ensures that all financial obligations are cleared before an employee exits the company.

Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

• The employer must initiate cancellation: Employees cannot independently cancel their work permits or visas.
• Absence from the UAE for six months leads to automatic visa expiration: If an individual remains outside the UAE for more than 180 days, the visa becomes invalid.

Understanding these responsibilities is crucial to prevent future complications related to visa status.

Before canceling a visa, the work permit must be officially terminated. Here’s how employers can complete this essential first step.

How to Cancel a Work Permit in the UAE?

The work permit cancellation process involves several steps, primarily managed by the employer through the MOHRE. This step ensures that employment contracts are legally terminated before visa cancellation.

Here are the steps to cancel a work permit:

1. Employer submits a request: The employer must apply for work permit cancellation via MOHRE.
2. Employee confirms wage settlement: The employee must sign the cancellation form, confirming receipt of all salaries and end-of-service benefits.
3. MOHRE processes the cancellation: Once submitted, the MOHRE reviews and approves the cancellation request.

Without work permit cancellation, visa cancellation cannot proceed. Employees must ensure their final settlement is completed before signing the cancellation form.

Once the work permit is canceled, the next step is visa cancellation. Employers must follow these steps to ensure compliance.

Steps to Cancel an Employment Visa in the UAE

After the work permit is canceled, the next step is to cancel the residence visa. The sponsor (employer) must submit a request through the GDRFA or online channels.

Here is how to cancel a visa in the UAE:

1. Initiate the process: The employer submits a visa cancellation request online or at a GDRFA branch.
2. Submit required documents: The sponsor provides the original passport, Emirates ID, and a signed cancellation form.
3. Obtain approval: Once processed, the GDRFA issues a confirmation of visa cancellation.

The entire process is straightforward when all necessary documents are in order. Employees must ensure their passports and Emirates IDs are available for a smooth cancellation.

Missing documents can delay visa cancellation. Here’s a checklist of everything required to complete the process without complications.

Documents Required for Work Permit and Visa Cancellation

To successfully process the employment visa cancellation UAE, employers and employees must provide the following documents:

• Signed visa cancellation form: This must be signed by the employer (sponsor).
• Original passport: Required to verify the applicant’s identity.
• Emirates ID: Mandatory for official processing.
• Company trade license copy: Needed to confirm the employer's legitimacy.
• Labour establishment card copy: Ensures the employer is registered with MOHRE.

Missing any of these documents can lead to delays, so it is best to have them prepared in advance.

Once a visa is canceled, employees must plan their next steps. Here’s what to expect, including grace periods and fines.

What Happens After Visa Cancellation?

Once a visa is canceled, the UAE provides a grace period for individuals to either leave the country or adjust their visa status.

• A 30-day grace period is given: After cancellation, individuals have 30 days to remain in the UAE legally.
• Overstaying leads to fines: After the grace period, a fine of AED 100 is charged for the first day and AED 25 per day thereafter.

To avoid penalties, employees should make arrangements for their next steps before the grace period expires.

Family visas must be canceled before the primary visa. Here’s how sponsors can manage dependents’ visa cancellations smoothly.

Cancelling a Family Visa in the UAE

If an employee holds a family visa, dependents’ visas must be cancelled before canceling the primary visa. The sponsor (employee) must ensure all family members’ visas are cancelled through GDRFA before proceeding with their own visa cancellation.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Family visa cancellation before the primary visa: Dependents’ visas must be cancelled first.
• Sponsor handles the cancellation: The individual sponsoring family members must initiate the process.

Failure to cancel dependent visas can create legal complications for both the employee and their family members.

Employers can cancel visas online or in person. Here’s a breakdown of both options to choose the most convenient method.

Online and In-Person Visa Cancellation in the UAE

The UAE provides flexible options for visa and work permit cancellation, allowing sponsors to apply online or in person.

Online Visa Cancellation:

• ICP Website or App – Individuals can process cancellations through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
• GDRFA Online Portal – Dubai-based residents can apply for visa cancellation through the GDRFA website.

In-Person Visa Cancellation:

• GDRFA Service Centers – Applications can be submitted at GDRFA offices.
• Typing Centers – Authorized centers assist in completing cancellation paperwork.

Both methods are effective, and choosing between them depends on convenience and preference.

Choosing the right visa cancellation method is essential, but HR teams still face administrative challenges that impact efficiency and compliance.

The Challenges HR Teams Face in Work Permit and Visa Cancellation

HR departments and recruiters handling employee offboarding often struggle with the following:

• Time-consuming documentation: Ensuring work permits and visas are properly canceled through MOHRE and GDRFA.
• Managing transitions while hiring: Balancing visa cancellations with onboarding new hires efficiently.
• Lack of centralized tracking: Monitoring pending cancellations, approvals, and compliance deadlines.
• High administrative workload: Following up on legal processes while managing ongoing recruitment efforts.

HR teams juggle visa cancellations and hiring demands simultaneously. TidyHire simplifies the process with AI-driven automation for seamless workforce management. Check how it works below!

How TidyHire Enhances Efficiency in HR and Recruitment?

From ensuring compliance with MOHRE and GDRFA regulations to managing employee transitions, HR professionals must handle multiple administrative tasks while keeping recruitment processes efficient.

This is where TidyHire transforms recruitment and HR operations with AI-driven automation. By eliminating repetitive tasks, providing real-time insights, and optimizing candidate sourcing, TidyHire helps HR teams stay efficient and focused on strategic hiring.

TidyHire streamlines recruitment and HR workflows with its AI-driven Recruiting Intelligence Agent (RIA), automating tasks that consume HR professionals' time.

Here’s how it helps:

1. Automated Candidate Sourcing & Talent Pool Management

While HR teams manage visa cancellations, recruitment cannot come to a standstill. TidyHire continuously sources candidates from 30+ platforms, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for replacement hiring.

• Access to 700M+ profiles – Instantly find candidates to fill roles left vacant due to visa cancellations.
• AI-powered sourcing – Identify qualified professionals without manual search efforts.
• Hyper-personalized outreach – Engage candidates effectively with AI-crafted messages.

2. Seamless Communication & Follow-ups

Visa cancellation involves multiple touchpoints with employees, government authorities, and internal teams. TidyHire’s automation ensures:

• Scheduled follow-ups – Never miss critical steps in the cancellation process.
• AI-driven communication – Automate emails and messages to employees undergoing visa cancellations.
• Integration with Slack & Teams – Keep HR and recruitment teams aligned on visa and hiring updates.

3. Daily Insights & Compliance Tracking

HR managers need real-time updates on visa cancellation statuses and pending approvals while keeping hiring on track. TidyHire offers:

• Daily reports & alerts – Stay updated on expiring work permits and required actions.
• Centralized dashboard – Monitor recruitment and visa status in one place.
• Customizable workflows – Adapt hiring processes based on cancellation timelines.

4. Time & Cost Efficiency for HR Teams

Handling visa cancellations manually wastes valuable resources. With TidyHire’s automation-first approach, HR teams can:

• Reduce administrative burden – Automate repetitive tasks like outreach and status tracking.
• Optimize hiring workflows – Balance visa cancellations with ongoing recruitment.
• Improve hiring speed – Fill vacancies quickly with AI-assisted sourcing.

Conclusion

Cancelling a work permit and employment visa in the UAE requires proper documentation and sponsor involvement. Employers must initiate the process through MOHRE, followed by visa cancellation via GDRFA. Employees should ensure they have received all final payments before signing cancellation forms.

Following the correct procedures prevents delays, fines, and legal issues. Whether canceling visas online or in person, compliance with UAE regulations ensures a hassle-free transition.

Whether managing visa cancellations, sourcing new talent, or ensuring compliance, TidyHire equips HR professionals with AI-driven efficiency. With seamless automation, intelligent tracking, and a vast candidate database, recruiters can focus on strategic hiring without getting lost in administrative hurdles.

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