UAE is a dream destination and land of opportunities that attracts people from all over the world to live and work. Everyone tries to get UAE citizenship for a secure and promising future. However, things may not go as per plan always and one may need to cancel his/her UAE visa.
There can be multiple reasons behind this decision, such as personal matters, health issues, job changes, or educational opportunities in another country. In the UAE, individuals can not cancel their visas on their own; they have to go through a formal process.
In this article, we will outline the visa cancellation procedure in UAE and general information related to it.
Types of Visas and Their Cancellation Procedures
Different visa types have different cancellation procedures in UAE. We’ll discuss each in detail below.
Employment Visa Cancellation
If you were an employee in UAE and have decided to leave the UAE permanently, your employer has to cancel your work permit and labor contract with Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratization (MOHRE). It is not possible to cancel an employment visa without the help of an employer.
It is the first step of the procedure as cancellation of employment visa leads to cancellation of residence visa in UAE. An employer might need your passport, ID card, emirate ID, labor card, and trading license to proceed with the application for a cancellation visa.
Employment Visa Cancellation Procedure in UAE
- The first step is to submit an application and for that, you can choose between service centers (Tasheel center, local typing center) and online service (General Director of Residency and Foreign Affairs, smart channel).
- Signing the application by relevant authorities and sponsor
- Submit the required documents to initiate the process
- After this, the application is forwarded to GDRFA for cancellation of the resident visa by the Ministry of Labor.
- The employer or sponsor has to visit the GDRFA to complete the cancellation process.
- You will receive an electronic confirmation from GDRFA of the permanent cancellation of your labor card.
Family Visa Cancellation
If you are a sponsor of a family living with you in UAE, you have to cancel your family visa as well before canceling your visa. This is mandatory even if they have already left the UAE.
If any family member is independent and working in UAE and holds an Employment Visa, it should be canceled from the company. It is recommended that you check the visa status of all the dependents before starting your cancellation process.
The required documents for family visa cancellation include the original passport of each member, the emirate ID of the sponsor, and the application.
Tourist Visa Cancellation
If you are a tourist who was planning on visiting UAE but plans got changed at the last moment due to personal or some other reasons, you don’t need to worry about Tourist Visa cancellation. The reason is that UAE immigration provides 60 days validity and after that, it gets canceled automatically without paying any fee.
Sometimes, you get your tourist visa and the duration allowed is shorter than the days you have planned to stay. In that case, it is mandatory to cancel your current visa to get a new one. Keep in mind that now you have to pay the fee for cancellation of a tourist visa and it is AED 150 to AED 200.
Investor Visa Cancellation
The process of canceling an Investor Visa or student visa is simple and quick. You can apply for cancellation through Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) official website or Amer Service Center.
After providing the required documents and paying the cancellation fee, you will receive an approval notification by email. The duration of visa cancellation and final settlement takes 1 to 2 working days.
Residence Visa Cancellation for a Person Outside UAE
Residence visa cancellation for a person outside UAE is a straightforward process as it can be done by the sponsor without visiting the immigration department. If your family members are already gone and living in another country you can apply for cancellation of their visa. you can visit the typing center to apply along with the required documents.
However, cancellation of an employment visa is a laborious process if you are outside the UAE. Now, it is in the hands of your current sponsor. If the reason is valid then it can be considered but in case of any debt and issues, it is not going to happen easily.
Freezone Visa Cancellation
Freezone visa cancellation process is different than other procedures as it requires the presence of both employee and employer at Freezone headquarters. It is ensured that both parties agree to the final termination of the current employment agreement. ID card and original passport are required to initiate the cancellation.
UAE Visa Cancellation After 6 Months
You must know that the visa automatically becomes invalid if the visa holder does not travel back to UAE for 6 months. Even if it is due to unwanted circumstances. You have to apply for visa cancellation even if it is invalid. If you leave UAE without informing your company or sponsor you may have to face consequences.
You can re-apply for a Residence Visa after cancellation. UAE will provide you entry permit to travel to UAE for medical tests, Emirates ID, passport, and stamping.
Grace Period After Cancellation
After cancellation of the Visa, UAE allows 30 days to renew the visa or to leave the UAE. This period of thirty days is known as grace period. It starts from the date of official MOHRE visa cancellation.
The duration of the grace period varies with the type of visa. If you were on a visit visa then the duration of the grace period is ten days. In the case of a green visa, it is for 6 months which you can leave or re-apply for a visa.
Time Taken for Cancellation
The cancellation process is not any complex process and can be completed within 1 or 2 working days. However, if the sponsor has to cancel the labor card as well then it will take one more day.
Fine For Overstaying in UAE after Visa Cancellation
In UAE, some stringent rules should be followed to avoid penalties and fines, same is in the process of visa cancellation. After cancellation, you have to leave before the completion of the grace period otherwise you have to pay a fine.
- First day: AED 125 and AED 25 will be added for each subsequent day.
- After six months: The fine will be AED 50 per day instead of 25
- After one year: AED 100 for each subsequent day
Consequences of Leaving UAE Without Cancellation of Visa
Leaving UAE without proper cancellation of visa can be a cause of trouble for you.
- If you stay away for more than 6 months, your visa will automatically be canceled by the UAE.
- You cannot enter in UAE with the same visa
- Your employer will report you as an absconding person and the relative department will ban your entry into the UAE
- After getting banned you will not be able to get a new visa. They might arrest you at the airport.
Pre-Cancellation Check List
As we read above there can be unwanted circumstances if the process is not fully completed. It is crucial to finalize the following matters to avoid complications.
- Get an educational certificate of children
- Check the validity of health insurance
- Close bank accounts
- Get no liability letter from the bank
- Sell vehicles (If you have any)
- Pay utility bills and settle debts
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it has provided you with a clear understanding of the visa cancellation procedure in UAE. Canceling your visa is a crucial step before leaving the UAE permanently; otherwise, you might face unwanted situations, including the possibility of being banned.
By following the proper procedure, you can easily cancel your visa through service centers or online. Ensure that you have all required documents to avoid delays in the cancellation process.
Visa cancellation is a complicated process and if you are doing it for the first time, it can be challenging for you. You can reach out to Al Riyady for assistance and guidance. We also provide services to help set up your business and obtain a UAE Golden Visa.
