Navigating the process of UAE visa cancellation can seem daunting, especially if you're planning to leave the country permanently. Understanding the steps involved and who is responsible for what can simplify this process, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your dependants. Here's a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about canceling your UAE residence visa.
Who Can Cancel Your Residence Visa in the UAE?
The process begins with identifying who can actually cancel your visa. If you're sponsored by an individual or an organization, they are responsible for initiating the visa cancellation. For those holding an investor visa, you have the autonomy to start the process independently.
Company-Sponsored Visa Cancellation
For those sponsored by a company, there's a specific procedure that needs to be followed:
Before proceeding with visa cancellation, it is crucial to ensure that you have unemployment insurance in place. This proactive step helps avoid potential fines and provides a safety net during the transition period. Unemployment insurance not only protects you from financial penalties but also offers support in the event of job loss, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding your financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellation of Labour Card and Contract: The sponsoring company must apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for the cancellation of your labour card and employment contract. Your signature is essential on this application, marking your agreement and acknowledgment of the process.
Application to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP): Following the response from MOHRE, the company can proceed to apply for visa cancellation through the ICP. This step is pivotal and marks the formal initiation of your visa cancellation.
Work Permit Cancellation: Alongside, your work permit needs cancellation. This cannot proceed without your written consent, confirming that you've received all your dues, gratuity, repatriation expenses, and any other benefits agreed upon with your employer.
Process to Cancel Residence Visa via GDRFA Dubai
With the primary steps taken by your sponsor, the next phase involves your direct action:
Receiving Clearance Statement: Once the above documents are canceled, you'll receive a clearance statement. This is crucial for generating a visa cancellation request at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
Cancelling Dependants' Visas: If you have dependants under your residence visa, their visas must be canceled before you can finalize your own visa cancellation. This can be done in two ways:
Visiting a Typing Centre: For a more hands-on approach, visiting a typing centre can facilitate the process.
Online through GDRFA: For convenience, the GDRFA's official website offers an online process to cancel dependants' visas.
Key Considerations
Ensure All Dues Are Cleared: Before initiating the visa cancellation, make sure all financial dues, loans, and other obligations are settled. This prevents any legal complications during the process.
Check for Ban Status: In some cases, visa cancellation might lead to an automatic imposition of an exit ban, especially if there are unresolved financial or legal issues. It's crucial to verify your status to avoid surprises.
Document Collection: Collect all relevant documents, including your passport, visa, clearance statement, and any other paperwork required by GDRFA or your sponsor.
Online Cancellation via GDRFA Portal
Access the GDRFA Portal: Start by visiting the GDRFA's official website and navigate to the "Services" section, then select "Residency Services" followed by "Cancellation of residence visa."
Initiate the Service: Click on the "Start Service" button to begin the cancellation process.
UAE Pass Login: You'll need to log in with your UAE Pass account. If you don't already have one, download the UAE Pass app, and follow the instructions to create an account, including a face scan for verification.
Application Form: Fill in the required fields on the application form, including your passport details, visa numbers, and nationality.
Attach Documents: Upload necessary documents, such as a copy of your residency visa or Emirates ID.
Payment: Pay the applicable service fees online.
Submission: Review and submit your application.
Registered Typing Centres
Visit an Amer Typing Centre: Find your nearest Amer typing centre, operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Application Assistance: The staff will help you fill out the application form and ensure all necessary documents are correctly submitted.
Fees: Pay the required fees for the service.
Submission: Complete the submission of your application through the typing centre.
Fees Overview
Service Fee: AED 100
Innovation Fee: AED 10
Knowledge Dirham Fee: AED 10
Printing Fee: AED 100 (if submitting through ZAJEL Courier Centre)
Visa Cancellation via ICP
ICP Website: Go to the ICP website, select "Services for Individuals," and then "Cancel Residency Permit."
Smart Services Portal: You'll be redirected to the Smart Services portal of ICP. Click on "Public Visa Services."
Cancellation of Current Visa: Choose "Cancellation of Current Visa" from the options.
Fill in Details: Enter the required information such as your passport details, date of birth, and nationality. Upload the requested documents, which may include a residency permit, trade licence (for partners or investors), or a death certificate.
Payment: Proceed to the payment page, where the fee is AED 100, payable by credit or debit card.
Submit: Complete the process by submitting your application.
Locate the Nearest ICP Typing Centre: Find an ICP typing centre convenient for you. These centres are equipped to assist with various immigration-related services.
Complete the Form: At the typing centre, you'll be required to fill out a visa cancellation form. Ensure all the information provided is accurate to prevent any delays in the cancellation process.
Document Submission: Submit all required documents as instructed by the typing centre staff. This typically includes your passport and a copy of your UAE residence visa.
Payment of Fees: Pay the necessary fees for the visa cancellation service. The fees include:
Order fee: AED 50
E-services fee: AED 10
Submit Your Request: After paying the fees, submit your visa cancellation request through the typing centre.
Wait for Approval: The visa cancellation process generally takes about 48 hours, excluding public holidays and weekends. Keep in mind that certain employer-specific terms may affect this timeline.
For added convenience, the ICP offers a mobile app available for both Apple and Android users. This app allows you to request visa cancellation directly from your smartphone. The process is similar to the online and typing centre methods, ensuring a user-friendly experience with the added benefit of mobility.
Visa Validity Check: It's essential to know the validity of your residence visa, especially if you've been outside the UAE for more than six months. A visa status check can be done online using your passport number.
Consequences of Leaving Without Proper Resignation: Exiting the UAE without resigning properly and completing the necessary exit procedures can lead to being marked as absconding. This situation carries severe consequences, including a travel ban and possible arrest upon attempting to re-enter the UAE.
Settling Financial Obligations: Before leaving, ensure all loans, bills, and financial liabilities are cleared. Failing to do so can lead to legal issues and impede your ability to leave the country smoothly.
Collect Visa Cancellation Proof: Always make sure to obtain physical proof of your visa cancellation, such as a stamp or paper document, before departing the UAE. This serves as crucial evidence of your legal status and can prevent future complications.
FAQS ABOUT THE UAE VISA CANCELLATION PROCESS
What is the grace period for cancelling a UAE visa?
The grace period to depart the UAE after the revocation of a resident visa ranges from 60 to 180 days, depending on the visa type.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the grace period:
180 days for Golden/Green Visa holders and their family members.
Widows/Divorcees
Students (who completed their education)
Skilled professionals (first/second level based on MOHRE categorization)
90-day period for skilled professionals at the third level of the MOHRE classification.
Property visa holders
60 DAYS
Normal residences
30 DAYS
Other types include visa-on-arrival holders and prepaid visit visas.
Staying in Dubai after the grace period finishes would result in a fine of AED 50 per day.
What should I do with my Emirates ID if the residence is canceled?
Previously, one could maintain their Emirates ID even after terminating UAE Residence. However, after terminating your UAE residence, you will be required to present your Emirates ID to the GDRFA. You must also submit your Emirates ID if you change employers or sponsors.
It should be noted that if you cancel your UAE resident visa, your company will pay your medical insurance during the grace period. Medical insurance is required for residing in the UAE, thus it will normally be active throughout your grace period.
Can I renew my UAE tourist visa?
Yes, you may, as long as you meet all of the requirements for a Dubai tourist visa renewal.
Can I cancel my UAE residence visa while outside the country?
If you are on a work visa, contact your employers and ask them to terminate it. Talk to them about any obligations or fines, and if relevant, ensure that your residence is cancelled. If your employer refuses to terminate your resident visa, you should contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to address the situation.
If you work for a freezone firm in the UAE, both the employer and the employee must meet at the company's headquarters to end the contract. You will need to provide your passport and Emirates ID, as well as get your UAE residency revoked.
If you wish to cancel a family member's visa (dependent visa), you may do it without having them in the country. All you need is a photocopy of your passport, Emirates ID, and a written application. You may accomplish this at one of Dubai's typing facilities for AED 266, plus extra typing expenses.
Do I need to exit the UAE to extend my stay after the grace period?
After your UAE resident visa has been cancelled, you are not required to leave the country to prolong your stay. You may apply for a tourist visa while in the country and pay the necessary fees (depending on how long you want to stay).
That concludes our guidance to the UAE visa cancellation procedure. Before making a final choice, make sure you understand the most recent criteria for resident permits in the UAE. If you have any issues about your UAE resident visa cancellation, please contact the General Directory of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at 600-522-222.
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