The United Arabic Emirates (UAE) attracts a large number of foreign employees and investors due to its promising market and high standard of living. A corresponding UAE visa is needed for the purpose of work, education, or residency in the country. Similarly, if you leave your job, relocate, or close your business, UAE visa cancellation is necessary. In this article, we will introduce how to cancel it and how to check visa cancellation status.
What to do Before Cancelling UAE Visa
Before canceling an employment visa, both employers and employees must work together to ensure everything goes smoothly.
For Employers
Employers have some paperwork to do to cancel an employee’s visa and it must adhere to UAE labor regulations and ethical practices, which should be done as follows.
- Formally notify the employee of the termination or resignation through written notice.
- Settle all outstanding financial obligations, such as unpaid salaries, end-of-service benefits, or any bonuses based on the employment contract. This step aims to avoid any future disputes and delays in the cancellation process.
- Obtain a labor clearance certificate from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Without this document, visa cancellation requests may be rejected as it verifies that all legal responsibilities toward the employee have been fulfilled.
For Employees
As an employee leaving your job, although it is your sponsor’s responsibility to revoke the labour contract and apply for his visa cancellation, it does not mean you can solely rely on your employer. You have to sign the visa cancellation application form and confirm that you have received all due payments and benefits. It is suggested to request a copy of the visa cancellation application and verify that it has been submitted to the authorities. Once the process is complete, remember to get the cancellation certificate which serves as proof of official cancellation. Additionally, you should check employment visa cancellation UAE through official portals (specified later in this guide) after your employer has applied.
Visa Cancellation Requirements in UAE
Cancelling a UAE visa is quite straightforward. However, you have to figure out who should file the cancellation application, which is subject to the visa type. For instance, employment visas and family visas are tied to the sponsor. Therefore, the expats can’t initiate cancellation themselves and they should ask for their sponsor (the employer or family member) to help whereas golden visa or investor visa holders can apply directly by closing the company’s trade license, settling debts, and submitting a request.
How to Cancel Visa in UAE
The cancellation process varies slightly according to the visa type. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Cancel an Employment Visa
As stated before, the employment visa cancellation should be initiated by an employer or sponsoring company representative through the steps below.
- Log in to MOHRE online portal and submit a cancellation request with the labor clearance certificate attached.
- Ask for the required documents from the employee, including the Emirates ID and passport of the employee.
- Send the visa cancellation certificate to the employee and the passport marked with a cancellation stamp.
Cancel Family Visa
The family visa should be canceled by the sponsor (usually referring to a parent or spouse based in the UAE) as follows.
- Log in to the c official website or app.
- Provide the dependent’s passport details as well as the reason for cancellation and submit the request.
- Once approved, the visa holder, also known as the dependent, must leave the UAE within 30 days or apply for a new visa. Overstaying this period incurs daily fines.
Cancel Investor Visa
Investors or entrepreneurs can cancel the visa on their own through the following steps.
- Notify the free zone authority, for example, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) or Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and settle any outstanding fees or fines.
- Visit an Amer Service Center in person, the ICP website, or ICP app to cancel the company’s trade license, which automatically triggers visa cancellations for all employees and dependents linked to the business.
Documents Required for Visa Cancellation
The required documents vary from visa type to type. Gathering the correct paperwork is crucial to avoid delays. Here’s a checklist.
- Employment Visa
○ Cancellation application form (available on government portals or at typing centers).
○ Passport of the employee.
○ Emirates ID of the employee.
○ Confirmation letter from the employee stating receipt of all due salary and end-of-service benefits confirmation.
- Family Visa
○ Cancellation application form.
○ Passport of the Sponsor.
○ Passport of the Dependent.
○ Emirates ID of the Dependent.
- Golder Visa or Investor Visa
○ Cancellation application form (available on government portals or at typing centers).
○ Copy of Visa (Change-of-Status or without).
It is advised to double-check and ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurate. Even minor discrepancies, like a misspelled name, can result in rejection.
How to Check Visa Cancellation Status in UAE
After submitting the visa cancellation, it is necessary to monitor the case status as it will help you learn about the result and respond to any further requirements from the authority. Some might ask “How to check if my visa is canceled in UAE”, especially when they are holding a work visa and the application is filed by the employer. The UAE government makes it possible to check visa cancellation status through various platforms.
Through ICP smart service
It is the most convenient way for residents in the Emirates except Dubai. The ICP portal settles all inquiries related to UAE visas. You can follow the instructions below to check UAE visa cancellation status with passport number.
- Visit the ICP Smart Services website.
- Navigate to the “Public Services” and select “Visa Status”.
- Enter your passport number, nationality, birth date, and other required information.
- Enter the CAPTCHA to Pass the robot check and click on the “Search” button.
- View the current case status. When it says “Active”, it means the application remains to be processed while “Cancelled” status means application approval.
Via GDRFA website
Dubai-issued visas are managed by the GDRFA website, so Dubai residents can check visa cancellation status as follows.
- Log in to the GDRFA Portal.
- Go to “Visa Cancellation Status”.
- Input your passport details.
- Download or print the confirmation page for your records.
Visit AMER centres
Amer Centers are authorized offices that provide important government services concerning residency and visas. If you have no access to online services, you can visit an AMER service center in Dubai with your passport and Emirates ID. The representative there will provide a stamped cancellation confirmation within minutes.
Go to nearby typing centers
Typing centers spread across the UAE. It can access government systems and print your visa status report, but a small fee will be charged (usually AED 50–100).
Automatic visa cancellation
In some cases, the UAE visa will be automatically canceled by the authority if the visa holder violates certain rules and regulations. For example, a residence visa will be revoked if an individual does not cancel the visa officially before leaving the UAE and stays for more than 6 months consecutively abroad. Please note that it might lead to travel bans, such as re-enter rejection or visa refusal.
📢Read Also: How to Check UAE Ban Status with Passport Number
How Long Does it Take to Cancel UAE Visa
It usually takes 2-5 working days to cancel the UAE visa. However, the processing time might be extended provided that there are pending fines, labor complaints, incomplete paperwork, or too many applications. To expedite the process, it is recommended to settle fines in advance and ensure to provide accurate and complete applications.
How Much Does it Cost to Cancel UAE Visa
The UAE visa cancellation fee consists of several parts depending on where you apply from. The service fee costs AED 100 for both online and in-person applications. However, if you apply at the typing center or other authorized revenues, you also need to pay an innovation fee of AED 10 and a knowledge Dirham fee of AED 10. Additionally, there will be extra printing fees or express fees according to the service you choose. These fees can be paid by the sponsor or the investor by credit/debit card.
Grace Period for Visa Cancellation in the UAE
Expats have to leave the UAE or apply for a new visa to continue staying after the visa is canceled. This grace period is non-negotiable, so please make sure not to overstay, otherwise, it will incur a fine of AED 50 per day and extra fees of AED 250-300 for an exit permit. If you want to extend your stay, consider applying for a tourist visa or transitioning to a freelance permit.
FAQ
How to check UAE visa status online?
You can check UAE visa cancellation status with passport number on the ICP Smart Services portal (for non-Dubai visas) or GDRFA Dubai’s website.
Can I enter UAE with a cancelled visa?
No. A cancelled visa is no longer valid and cannot be used as an entry permit.
Can I drive in the UAE with a cancelled visa?
No. Your driving license is tied to your residency visa. Once the visa is canceled, the license also becomes invalid.
Is there a fine for not canceling visa before leaving the UAE?
No, but violating the visa requirements, for example, not returning to UAE within 6 months or overstaying, could result in issues upon departure or future visa applications.
Conclusion
You can check visa cancellation status on the ICP or GDRFA portals, at the AMER center, or at a tying center. It is advised to confirm that your cancellation application has been approved before departing the UAE to avoid fines or travel restrictions. By following this guide, you’ll ensure a stress-free transition while staying compliant with UAE laws.
Erin Lo