UAE Visa Cancellation 2025: The UAE visa cancellation process is the legal termination of an employee’s residency and work permit. It must be done through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) for mainland companies, or through the respective Free Zone Authority.
Employers are legally responsible for cancelling the visa after employment ends, whether due to resignation, termination, or end of contract.
UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 Full Employer Guide
Is UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 Mandatory?
Yes. As per UAE Labour Law, visa cancellation is a mandatory step before:
The employee can leave the UAE permanently
The employee can transfer to another employer
End-of-service dues can be finalized
Failure to cancel a visa properly can result in:
Labour bans
Overstay fines
Employer penalties
Required Documents for UAE Visa Cancellation 2025
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Employee’s Passport | Main ID document |
| Emirates ID | Must be surrendered to ICA |
| Labour Card (if applicable) | Required for MOHRE |
| Resignation Letter / Termination Notice | Proof of employment end |
| Visa Cancellation Form (MOHRE or Free Zone) | Initiates process |
| Company Establishment Card | Confirms sponsor identity |
| Company Stamp | Legal authentication |
💡 Some employers may also request employee signature on visa cancellation consent forms.
UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 Process – Step-by-Step
For Mainland Companies (MOHRE)
Prepare Required Documents
Ensure all documents listed above are ready and scanned.Submit Cancellation via MOHRE Portal
Login to the MOHRE employer account and initiate the cancellation request.Employee Signature (Optional in some cases)
The employee may be asked to sign confirmation.Cancel Labour Card
Once approved, the labour card is deactivated.Cancel Residency via ICP (Emirates ID Authority)
The employer submits the cancellation request on ICP (formerly FAIC) portal.Confirmation & Final Approval
The system confirms cancellation. The employer gets a stamped confirmation slip.Return Emirates ID and Passport
The employee’s Emirates ID must be surrendered; passport is returned post cancellation stamp.
For Free Zone Companies (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, DAFZA)
Initiate via Free Zone Portal or In-Person
Log in to the respective Free Zone HR portal (e.g., DMCC Helpdesk or RAKEZ Portal).Upload Cancellation Request
Attach resignation letter and passport copy.Cancel Establishment Labour Card
Submit to the Free Zone labour team.Visa Cancellation through Immigration Office
The Free Zone authority liaises with immigration to cancel residency.Collect Cancellation Slip
Final document confirming the visa cancellation status.
📌 Note: Processing times vary by Free Zone – 1 to 7 working days.
How Long Does UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 Take?
| Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Companies | 1–3 working days |
| Free Zone | 3–7 working days |
| Urgent Requests | Within 24 hours (some Free Zones offer express options) |
What Are the Costs Involved?
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Cancellation Fee | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Emirates ID Return | No charge |
| Overstay Fines (if delayed) | AED 50/day |
| Free Zone Service Fees | AED 250 – AED 800 (varies) |
| Labour Card Cancellation | Included in package |
Employers must bear the cost unless otherwise agreed in the contract.
What If the Employer Refuses to Cancel the Visa?
If the employer:
Ignores your resignation
Doesn’t cancel the visa
Tries to impose unlawful fines
You can:
File a Complaint with MOHRE
Call 800 60
Use the MOHRE mobile app
File online via mohre.gov.ae
MOHRE will:
Summon both parties
Investigate complaints
Enforce cancellation and settlement
After UAE Visa Cancellation 2025: What Happens Next?
Once your visa is cancelled:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | You get 30 days grace period to exit UAE or switch sponsor |
| 2 | You can transfer visa to a new employer |
| 3 | You must settle all dues (gratuity, notice period, air ticket, etc.) |
| 4 | You are no longer legally linked to the former employer |
Sample UAE Visa Cancellation 2025 Form (MOHRE Mainland)
Mahad HRC Helps UAE Employers Cancel Visas Legally
Our team can assist with:
Drafting proper resignation & termination letters
Submitting visa cancellations via MOHRE or Free Zones
Document handovers, cancellation slips, and employee offboarding
Final settlement calculations and legal compliance
Key Takeaway
The UAE visa cancellation 2025 process is a structured legal step that ensures a smooth exit or job transition for employees. Whether you’re a small company or large group, proper handling protects your brand and avoids penalties.