Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: Leaving a job in the UAE or preparing to exit the country involves one essential legal step: visa cancellation. Whether you’re switching jobs, returning home, or relocating to another country, understanding the visa cancellation process in the UAE is crucial to avoid legal issues, fines, or delays.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explains how UAE visa cancellation works for employees, employers, and dependants, plus important updates and tips.
Why Visa Cancellation Is Important
Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: When your residence visa or employment visa is no longer valid (due to job termination, contract end, or resignation), it must be officially cancelled in the UAE immigration system.
Without proper cancellation:
You can’t apply for a new visa
You may incur overstay fines (AED 50/day after grace period)
You could face travel restrictions or legal complications
Who Can Cancel the UAE Visa?
Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: The authority to cancel a UAE visa depends on the visa type:
Employment Visa—Must be canceled by the employer (through MOHRE + GDRFA)
Family Visa—Canceled by the sponsor (usually the head of family)
Investor Visa—Canceled by the investor/applicant or PRO
Step-by-Step: Visa Cancellation Process in UAE (2025)
Step 1: Cancel the Labour Contract with MOHRE
For employment visas, the process begins with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
The employer submits a contract cancellation request
Employee signs the cancellation form
The system will issue a labour cancellation certificate
🕐 Timeline: Usually within 1–2 working days
Step 2: Cancel the UAE Residency Visa with GDRFA
After labour contract cancellation, the residence visa must be cancelled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the ICA in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates.
Documents Required:
Original passport
Emirates ID
Labour cancellation proof
Visa cancellation form signed by both parties
Clearance of any fines or dues (if any)
👤 Either the PRO or the employer will submit these documents.
🕐 Timeline: 1–3 working days
Step 3: Return Emirates ID & Passport
Once the visa is cancelled, immigration authorities will stamp “Visa Cancelled” on your passport and return it.
The Emirates ID is collected and rendered void.
✅ Tip: Always take a photocopy or scan of your visa cancellation for future use.
Step 4: Understand the Grace Period
After visa cancellation, you are granted a grace period to either
Leave the country
Apply for a new job visa
Change visa status (e.g., tourist visa)
🗓️ As of 2025, the grace periods are
60 days—for most expats (after employment visa cancellation)
180 days—for skilled workers in specific categories (e.g., executives, engineers)
💰 Failing to exit or transfer status within the grace period results in overstay fines:
AED 50 per day + possible ban or legal penalty
Additional Tips for Smooth Visa Cancellation Process in UAE
Clear all dues—unpaid loans, credit cards, traffic fines
Get NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer if you plan to work elsewhere
Request final settlement—gratuity, leave salary, etc.
Check tenancy contracts—cancel DEWA, Etisalat, and other utilities
Keep your visa cancellation copy for your new employer or immigration queries
What if the employer refuses to cancel my visa?
Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: If an employer delays or refuses visa cancellation, you can file a labor complaint through
MOHRE Call Center: 800-60
MOHRE App or website
Visit Tawafuq Centre in your city
The UAE labour law protects workers and ensures timely visa processing.
How to Cancel Dependant/Family Visa
Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: If you are the sponsor of dependents (spouse, children, parents), their visas must be cancelled before cancelling your own visa.
Steps:
Visit a typing center or GDRFA office
Provide passport and Emirates ID copies of dependants
Pay AED 100–150 per visa
Receive cancellation stamp
Final Exit After Visa Cancellation
Visa Cancellation Process in UAE: If you are planning to exit the UAE, book your flight during the grace period. You do not need an exit permit unless your visa was overstayed or you were blacklisted.
At the airport:
Your cancelled visa will be scanned
Overstay fines (if any) will be collected
You may receive an exit stamp on your passport
Final Thoughts
The visa cancellation process in the UAE in 2025 is smooth and digital, but only if you follow each step correctly. Whether you’re changing jobs or returning home, staying informed and legally compliant protects your future career and travel prospects.
If you’re unsure how to start, MahadHRC’s visa and recruitment consultants are available to assist with all visa formalities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.