If you’re considering cancelling your employment visa in the UAE, understanding the right procedures can save you both time and hassle. This guide aims to demystify the process, offering clear, step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the bureaucratic waters smoothly. Whether you’re leaving your job, moving back home, or simply changing employers within the UAE, it’s crucial to handle your visa cancellation properly to avoid legal issues and ensure a seamless transition.
Read on to discover essential tips and expert advice on effectively managing your employment visa cancellation in the UAE.
The process for visa cancellation in the UAE
Cancelling an employment visa in the UAE involves a series of systematic steps that must be followed precisely to ensure compliance with local immigration laws. Below is a detailed overview of the process, broken down into manageable sections for your convenience.
Log in to the online platform
To initiate the visa cancellation process, you will need to log in to the designated online portal. This can be done either by using your existing username and password or through the UAE Pass, which simplifies access to government services.
Submit your application
Once logged in, you should submit your visa cancellation application via the portal. This is available through various service delivery channels provided by the UAE government, which are designed to facilitate a smooth user experience.
Verification by the ministry
After your application is submitted, it will be electronically forwarded to the Ministry for a thorough review. The Ministry will check to ensure that all the requirements and documents submitted comply with UAE immigration laws.
Addressing shortfalls
If there are any shortfalls in your application, these will be communicated to your establishment. You will then need to provide the additional information or documents required to meet the necessary criteria.
Approval and cancellation
Upon satisfying all the conditions and completing the required documentation, your application will be approved. The final step is the formal cancellation of your permit or contract, officially concluding your employment visa status in the UAE.
By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your visa cancellation process is conducted efficiently and without any legal complications.
Terms and conditions for visa cancellation in the UAE
When cancelling an employment visa in the UAE, some specific terms and conditions must be adhered to. These ensure that all legal and administrative requirements are met, protecting both the employee and employer. Below are the key terms and conditions you need to be aware of:
Payment of fines
Any fines incurred due to the late issuance or non-renewal of work permits must be settled. This condition applies to active work permits; unused work permits are not subject to these fines. Ensuring that all financial penalties are cleared is crucial for the smooth processing of your visa cancellation.
Settlement of employee rights
The employer must provide an official statement confirming that all of the worker’s rights, dues, and entitlements have been fully satisfied. This declaration is essential to protect the employee’s rights and must be issued before the visa cancellation process can proceed. It ensures that the employee receives all owed benefits and payments, closing any potential disputes.
Employee agreement and acknowledgement
The cancellation of the visa requires the employee’s signature, indicating their agreement to the cancellation and acknowledging that they have received all labour dues. This rule applies under normal circumstances. However, exceptions are made for employees who are overseas, deceased, suffering from contagious diseases, or those whose employment has been administratively cancelled following their removal from the Identity, Nationality, Customs, and Port Security System. In such cases, additional procedures and safeguards are implemented to ensure the process respects legal standards and humanitarian considerations.
Visa cancellation charges in the UAE
Cancelling an employment visa in the UAE incurs certain costs, which are primarily administrative fees. Here, we outline the charges you can expect to encounter during the visa cancellation process.
Business centres commission
When processing visa cancellations through business centres, a commission fee is applied. This fee is capped at 72 dirhams, ensuring that charges remain reasonable and transparent for all parties involved.
Charges for online processing
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) offers a cost-effective option for processing visa cancellations through its website and smart application. Except for mandatory federal charges, the service is free of charge when utilised online. This offers a convenient and economical alternative to traditional in-person procedures.
Additional fees
It is important to note that the fees listed above do not include tax and collection charges. These additional costs may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the visa cancellation and should be accounted for when preparing to complete the process.
Davidson & Co.: Navigating your UAE visa cancellation
In conclusion, cancelling an employment visa in the UAE is a structured process that demands attention to detail and adherence to the set guidelines.
Should you require any assistance or legal advice during your visa cancellation, Davidson & Co., a top boutique law firm in Dubai specialising in employment and labour issues, is ready to help. Our expert team can provide you with tailored support and guidance to ensure your rights are protected and the process is handled efficiently. Contact Davidson & Co. today to ensure your visa cancellation is hassle-free.
