How to Cancel an Employee’s Visa in the UAE: Employer’s Guide
When an employee resigns, is terminated or leaves a company permanently, the employer must complete the required employment and immigration formalities. One important step is cancelling the employee’s UAE work permit and residence visa. For employers, this process involves more than submitting a visa cancellation request. They must also settle outstanding salaries, calculate end-of-service benefits where applicable, complete the employment contract cancellation and follow the correct immigration procedures. The process can differ depending on whether the company is registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), a free zone authority or another licensing authority. This guide explains how to cancel an employee’s visa in the UAE, the documents required, general procedures, potential costs and common mistakes employers should avoid. Quick Answer: How to Cancel an Employee’s Visa in the UAE An employer generally needs to complete two main procedures: Cancel the employment contract and work permit: For most mainland private-sector employees, the employer submits a cancellation request through MOHRE. Cancel the employee’s residence visa: After obtaining the necessary work permit cancellation confirmation, the employer applies through ICP or the relevant immigration authority, such as GDRFA Dubai. Before submitting the cancellation request, the employer should settle outstanding salary, unused annual leave payments and applicable end-of-service benefits. Exact requirements depend on the cancellation category and authority. Table of Contents When should an employer cancel an employee’s UAE visa? Work permit cancellation vs residence visa cancellation How to cancel an employee’s visa in the UAE: Step-by-step Documents required Visa cancellation costs Employee grace periods after cancellation If the employee is outside the UAE Free zone employee visa cancellation Common employer mistakes Employer’s cancellation checklist Frequently asked questions How AB Capital can help 1. When Should an Employer Cancel an Employee’s UAE Visa? An employer may need to cancel an employee’s work permit and residence visa in several situations. Employee resignation When an employee voluntarily resigns and completes the applicable notice period, the employer should initiate the employment and visa cancellation procedures. Termination of employment If the company terminates an employee’s contract, it must follow applicable UAE Labour Law requirements, including notice obligations where relevant. Employee moving to another company When an employee accepts a new UAE position, the previous employer generally needs to complete the existing employment cancellation formalities before the new employer completes its own work permit and residency procedures. Employee leaving the UAE permanently If an employee is leaving the UAE and will not continue working for the company, the employer should complete the relevant employment and residence cancellation formalities. Business closure or restructuring Companies that close, restructure or reduce their workforce may also need to cancel affected employees’ permits and residence visas. Employer reminder: Cancelling an employee’s visa does not replace the employer’s responsibility to follow the correct employment termination procedures. 2. Work Permit Cancellation vs Residence Visa Cancellation in the UAE One common misunderstanding is assuming that cancelling an employee’s work permit automatically cancels their residence visa. These are separate procedures. Process Responsible authority Purpose Employment contract cancellation MOHRE or relevant free zone authority Ends the registered employment arrangement. Work permit cancellation MOHRE or relevant authority Cancels the employee’s permission to work under the company. Residence visa cancellation ICP or GDRFA, depending on the emirate Cancels the employee’s UAE residence permit. For most MOHRE-regulated mainland companies, the employer first completes the work permit and employment contract cancellation. The confirmation is then used for the immigration process. Dubai-based employers generally deal with GDRFA, while other emirates use the relevant ICP channels. Official guidance: UAE Government – Work Permits and GDRFA Dubai cancellation service. 3. How to Cancel an Employee’s Visa in the UAE: Step-by-Step Process The following is the general process for a company employing staff under the mainland private-sector system. Free zone procedures may differ. Step 1: Complete the employment termination formalities Before initiating cancellation, confirm that the employment relationship has been properly terminated. This includes: Confirming resignation or issuing a termination notice. Checking the employment contract and applicable notice period. Confirming the last working day. Recording outstanding salary and leave balances. Preparing the final settlement calculation. Maintain written records of the resignation or termination and related communication. UAE Labour Law regulates employment termination, notice periods and circumstances in which a contract may be terminated without notice. Read: UAE Government guidance on terminating employment contracts. Step 2: Calculate and settle the employee’s final dues Depending on the employee’s circumstances, the settlement may include outstanding salary, payment for unused annual leave where applicable, end-of-service gratuity if eligible, other contractual benefits and any other amounts legally payable. Eligible foreign employees who complete at least one year of continuous service are generally entitled to end-of-service gratuity. For eligible full-time foreign workers, the general calculation is 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days of basic salary for each additional year, subject to statutory limits and rules. Important payment deadline: Employers must pay outstanding wages and other end-of-service entitlements within 14 days from the date of termination of the employment contract. Do not delay final payments because visa cancellation is still being processed. Source: UAE Government – End-of-service benefits. Step 3: Submit the work permit and employment contract cancellation request For companies registered with MOHRE, submit the employee’s work permit and employment contract cancellation request. Applications can generally be submitted through the MOHRE website, mobile application or approved business service centres. The employer or authorised representative provides the required employee and company information and uploads supporting documents. The employee’s signature or confirmation may be required, depending on the cancellation category. Do not ask an employee to confirm receipt of dues before payment has actually been made. Official information: MOHRE work permit information. Step 4: Obtain the work permit cancellation confirmation Once the authority reviews and approves the request, the employment contract and work permit cancellation are processed. Download and retain the confirmation. It may be required for the residence visa cancellation application. Step 5: Apply for residence visa cancellation After completing employment cancellation
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