Cancel Your UAE Visa: You’ve decided to leave your job or the UAE entirely but what if your employer refuses to cancel your visa? Are you stuck? The answer is no. The UAE Labour Law in 2025 protects employees and allows them to take legal action if an employer delays or denies visa cancellation.
This article explains how to cancel your UAE visa without employer cooperation, including legal steps, MOHRE support, and timelines to avoid overstays or immigration issues.
Can You Cancel Your UAE Visa Without Employer in 2025
What Is Visa Cancellation?
Cancel Your UAE Visa: Visa cancellation means terminating your UAE residency permit, so:
Your Emirates ID becomes invalid
Your labour contract is closed
Your legal stay in UAE ends (with a grace period)
Visa cancellation is usually handled by the employer (sponsor), but in cases of dispute, employees can now approach MOHRE or immigration directly.
When Do You Need to Cancel Your Visa?
Cancel Your UAE Visa
Resignation from a job
Termination by employer
Switching jobs (old visa must be cancelled first)
Leaving UAE permanently
Joining a new employer (new visa processing requires cancellation)
What If the Employer Refuses to Cancel?
Cancel Your UAE Visa
Common scenarios:
Employer holds a grudge after resignation
Company shuts down or stops responding
Sponsor left UAE or contact is lost
Delay used to block employee from switching jobs
This is illegal and violates Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Step-by-Step: Cancel UAE Visa Without Employer
Step 1: File a Complaint with MOHRE
Go to:
MOHRE Website → www.mohre.gov.ae
Or Call 800 60 (MOHRE helpline)
Or Visit Tawjeeh Center in your emirate
Explain your issue clearly:
Employer not responding
Refusal to cancel visa
Exit plans are urgent
MOHRE opens a case and assigns a complaint number.
Step 2: MOHRE Mediation Call
Within 5 working days, MOHRE will:
Call your employer
Ask them to process cancellation
If refused → issue referral letter to labour court
Step 3: Labour Court (If Needed)
Use the MOHRE referral letter to:
File a case in Labour Court
Demand visa cancellation and dues
No lawyer is needed for simple visa cancellation cases
The judge can issue a visa cancellation order within 2–4 weeks.
Step 4: Immigration or GDRFA Cancellation
If employer is unreachable:
Go to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Bring:
Passport
Emirates ID
Labour complaint reference (from MOHRE)
Visa copy
Request forced cancellation based on legal documents
Immigration authorities can cancel visa unilaterally if MOHRE or court supports you.
Documents Required
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID | Personal ID |
| Passport | Visa cancellation |
| Visa Page Copy | Proof of sponsorship |
| Labour Complaint Receipt | Legal justification |
| Resignation Letter (if any) | Optional |
FAQs
Q: Can I cancel a visa myself online?
❌ Not without sponsor or legal order.
Q: Will I get a ban for cancelling without employer?
❌ No, as long as MOHRE or court is involved.
Q: How long does visa cancellation take?
🕒 Typically 7–14 working days through legal channels.
Q: Will I still get my gratuity and dues?
✅ Yes—file a separate claim if unpaid.
What Happens If You Don’t Cancel?
Overstay fines (AED 50/day)
Inability to switch employers
Emirates ID expired → can’t open bank or rent
Legal ban or immigration blacklist risk
Legal Protection for Workers
Cancel Your UAE Visa: The UAE protects employees from:
Sponsor abuse
Employer manipulation
Threats to hold visa “hostage”
You have the right to cancel and leave UAE without threats or financial loss.
Mahad HRC Legal Help
Cancel Your UAE Visa: We support workers with:
MOHRE complaint filing
Drafting resignation notices
Fast-tracking visa cancellation
Following up with immigration or labour court
Preventing overstays and fines
Need help with an unresponsive employer? Contact Mahad HRC now.
Conclusion
Cancel Your UAE Visa: Cancelling your UAE visa is your legal right with or without your employer’s cooperation. Thanks to the UAE’s strong labour protection laws, no sponsor can trap you in a job or delay your exit unfairly. Follow the right process, and stay compliant.