Exit & Offboarding

    UAE Visa Cancellation Guide

    Complete guide to employment visa cancellation in UAE. Learn about MOHRE portal process, Free Zone procedures, 30-day grace period, visa transfer, and employer responsibilities.

    Published: January 25, 2026
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    6 topics covered

    Quick Summary: Complete guide to employment visa cancellation in UAE. Learn about MOHRE portal process, Free Zone procedures, 30-day grace period, visa transfer, and employer responsibilities.

    When employment ends in the UAE, the employer must cancel the employee's work permit and residence visa. This process is initiated through MOHRE for mainland companies or through the relevant Free Zone authority. After cancellation, employees have a 30-day grace period to exit the UAE, transfer to a new visa, or change their immigration status.
    AspectDetails
    TimelineAfter final settlement, within 30 days
    Initiated ByEmployer (sponsor)
    Grace Period30 days after cancellation
    CostAED 100-200 (varies by emirate)
    PortalMOHRE/ICP or Free Zone authority

    Visa Cancellation Overview

    Understanding who initiates cancellation based on employment type.
    Employment TypeCancellation By
    Mainland companyEmployer via MOHRE portal
    Free ZoneEmployer via Free Zone authority
    Domestic workerSponsor via ICP
    DIFCEmployer via DIFC portal
    ADGMEmployer via ADGM portal

    When Cancellation is Required

    Visa cancellation is required whenever employment ends.
    SituationAction Required
    Employment endsCancel within 30 days of exit
    Employee resignsCancel after final settlement paid
    TerminationCancel after settlement processed
    Transfer to new employerCancel, then new employer re-sponsors
    Employee leaves UAECancel before or at departure

    MOHRE Portal Process (Mainland)

    Step-by-step process for mainland visa cancellation.

    Online Cancellation Steps

    StepAction
    1Log in to MOHRE portal
    2Select 'Work Permit Cancellation'
    3Enter employee details
    4Upload required documents
    5Select reason for cancellation
    6Pay fees
    7Submit application
    8Track status until completed

    Required Documents

    DocumentPurpose
    Employee passport (copy)Identification
    Original visa/residence (copy)Visa to cancel
    Emirates ID (copy)Identification
    Labour card (copy)Work permit reference
    Final settlement proofPayment confirmed
    Cancellation applicationFormal request

    Fees (Approximate)

    ServiceFee (AED)
    Work permit cancellation100
    Residence visa cancellation100-200
    Express serviceAdditional 100-200
    Typing fee50-100

    Free Zone Cancellation

    Free Zone visa cancellation follows a similar but zone-specific process.

    Typical Free Zone Steps

    StepAction
    1Initiate cancellation request via zone portal
    2Upload required documents
    3Pay applicable fees
    4Labour card cancelled by zone
    5Immigration receives file
    6Visa cancelled
    7Employee can exit or change status

    Zone-Specific Portals

    ZonePortal
    DMCCDMCC Portal
    JAFZAJAFZA Portal
    DIFCDIFC Portal
    TECOM/DIC/DMCTECOM Portal
    Other zonesZone-specific portal

    Documents Typically Required

    30-Day Grace Period

    After visa cancellation, employees have 30 days to exit or change status.

    Grace Period Details

    AspectDetails
    Duration30 days from cancellation date
    PurposeExit UAE or change immigration status
    Legal statusCan legally stay in UAE
    Work permittedNo, cannot work during grace period
    OptionsExit, transfer visa, new visa, freelance

    Options During Grace Period

    OptionProcess
    Exit UAETravel out before grace period expires
    Transfer visaNew employer sponsors new visa
    Freelance visaApply independently
    Own businessSetup and self-sponsor
    Dependent visaFamily member sponsors
    Visit visaConvert to tourist visa

    Overstaying Consequences

    DurationConsequence
    After grace period expiresFines apply immediately
    Daily fineAED 50-100+ per day
    Extended overstayImmigration issues
    Significant overstayPossible ban

    Visa Transfer Process

    When an employee moves to a new employer within UAE.

    Transfer Steps

    StepAction
    1Resign from current employer
    2Serve notice period
    3Receive final settlement
    4Current employer cancels visa
    5New employer applies for new visa
    6Complete medical test
    7Biometrics for Emirates ID
    8New visa stamped

    Transfer Without Issues

    Employer Responsibilities

    Employers have specific obligations in the visa cancellation process.

    Before Cancellation

    TaskImportance
    Process final settlementLegal requirement
    Pay all duesAvoid disputes
    Provide required documentsEmployee needs
    Clear any advancesReconciliation
    Issue experience letterProfessional practice

    During Cancellation

    TaskImportance
    Initiate on timeWithin 30 days of exit
    Pay all feesComplete the process
    Track statusEnsure completion
    Notify employeeKeep them informed
    Provide cancellation documentEmployee needs proof

    After Cancellation

    TaskImportance
    Provide cancellation paperEmployee record
    Return passportIf held
    Issue pending documentsExperience letter, etc.
    Update HR recordsDocumentation complete

    Special Situations

    How to handle non-standard visa cancellation scenarios.

    Absconding Cases

    SituationConsequence
    Employee leaves without noticeEmployer reports absconding
    Absconding report filed1-year labor ban applies
    Visa statusAutomatically cancelled after report
    If employee in UAEStatus becomes illegal

    Employee Disputes

    IssueSolution
    Unpaid settlementFile MOHRE complaint first
    Forced resignationDocument and file complaint
    Visa not being cancelledRequest from employer, escalate to MOHRE
    Delayed cancellationMOHRE intervention

    Common Problems

    IssueSolution
    Employer not cancellingFile MOHRE complaint
    Delayed settlementFile complaint, then proceed with cancellation
    Lost passportReport to police, then embassy for replacement
    Overstayed grace periodPay fines and exit

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Track Visa Status Automatically

    NeuralHR provides visa tracking dashboards, deadline reminders, document generation, compliance alerts, and employee self-service portal for visa-related information.

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    Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.

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    UAE Visa Cancellation Guide | NeuralHR