Visa Cancellation-How to Cancel Your UAE Visa Easily in 2024

The vibrant economy, modern infrastructure, and high standard of living make UAE a popular destination for expatriates worldwide. However, circumstances may arise when the individuals need to apply for visa cancellation. The main reasons behind this cancellation are job changes, relocation, or personal reasons. While seemingly straightforward, the process can involve nuances depending on visa type and situation. Therefore, understanding the visa cancellation process, required documents, and the fee are essential for a smooth transition out of the country. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to navigate a smooth cancellation process.

Types of Visas and Cancellation Process

The UAE offers a diverse range of visas catering to various purposes. Each of these visas has a distinct cancellation process. So, knowing your visa type is crucial to understanding how to cancel your UAE visa.

Employment Visa Cancelation UAE

It is the most common visa granted to individuals who want to work in the UAE. The employer sponsors an employment visa, and therefore, cancellation is also initiated by the employer. You cannot apply for visa cancellation on your own. Employment visa cancellation takes place in two steps:

• Cancellation of Labour card
• Residence visa cancellation

Your employer will apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for the cancellation of your work permit or labor card. He will also submit a separate application to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) to cancel your visa. Remember that the employer cannot apply for it unless he gets your signature on the visa cancellation form and a letter confirming that he has paid all due amount.

However, if you intend to switch jobs but not leave the UAE, the employer will have to apply for work permit cancellation. Sometimes, you have to face issues due to visa cancellation. Your new employer will apply for a new employment visa and work permit. Obtaining a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your old employer is always beneficial to avoid an employment ban or any other legal issue.

Family Visa Cancellation

A family visa in the UAE is always sponsored by any family member (husband, wife, parent, or child). Thus, the sponsor also applies for cancellation before canceling their residency visa. However, if family members work independently, their visas can be canceled only by the employer or the company. Remember to check the visa status of your family members before applying for the cancellation of your visa.

Other Visa Types and Cancellation

Canceling all other visa types like student, investor, tourist, and temporary visas is possible through various digital channels. If you are in the UAE on any of these visas, you can apply for cancellation through the following digital channels.

• ICP Website
• ICP Smart Application
• Amer Service Center

Remember to keep all the required documents while applying for online cancellation. The approval will be emailed to you within 1-2 working days.

Documents Required for UAE Visa Cancellation

Individuals who wish to cancel their visa in Dubai have to submit the following documents:

How to Cancel Visa in UAE?

Anyone leaving the Emirates can apply for visa cancellation in different ways. The most practical methods include:

1. Cancellation Through the ICP Website or App
2. Visa Cancellation on the GDRFA Website or App
3. Amer Centers
4. Through Typing Centers

1-Cancellation Through the ICP Website or App

The most convenient way for Dubai visa cancellation is through the ICP website or smart app. The step-by-step process is as follows:

• Visit the ICP Website. Download the ICP Smart application on your mobile device and create your account using your Emirates ID. Now log into your account.
• Navigate to Public Visa Services
• Now search for Cancellation of Current Visa and click the tab
• Enter your Passport information, Visa file number, and unified number
• Click on the Captcha box and Search
• An application form will be on your screen. Fill out the form, pay the service fee, and submit your application.

2-Visa Cancellation on the GDRFA Website or App

If you are living in Dubai, you can apply for cancellation of your visa through the online portal of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). The detailed process is as under:

• Go to the GDRFA website or Download its Smart Application
• Click on the “Services” tab and look for “Residency Services” and click it.
• On the next screen, navigate to “Cancellation of Residency Visa.”
• Log in to the service using UAE Pass or Smart Services App
• Fill in the application data and submit the required fee
• Submit your application and wait while you receive cancellation approval through your Email.

3-AMER Centers

If you cannot use digital channels, you can also cancel your visa by visiting any of the AMER Centers in the Emirates. The detailed process is as under:

• Visit any of the AMER centers
• At the reception, select your desired service
• Submit all the required documents to the service agent at the counter
• Deposit your visa cancellation fee
• Now, submit your application and wait for its approval

4-Through Typing Centers

For the convenience of its citizens and expatriates, the UAE has launched typing centers throughout the Emirates. These are allowed to help people with passport, visa, and Emirates ID issues. The process is as follows:

• Go to any of the typing centers near your location
• Generate a service ticket and wait for your turn
• When called, submit the visa cancellation application along with all the required documents
• Pay the service fees, and you are done
• You will receive visa cancellation upon approval of your application

How to Check Visa Cancelation Status?

After you apply to cancel your UAE visa, it is highly recommended to keep checking your visa cancelation status through various online platforms. Although rare, any complication in the process may arise, and you may have to wait a little. Therefore, a visa cancellation status check in UAE may help you proceed with further processes like closing your bank accounts or booking return flights.

Visit the ICP website and check UAE visa cancellation status online by passport number, visa file number, or unified number. The process remains the same for checking visa cancellation status through a smart digital ICP application. The detailed process is as follows:

You can also know about your Dubai visa cancellation status by calling AMER center at 800-5111 if you are in the UAE. Individuals outside the Emirates can call +971 (0)4 313 9999 to know their visa status. Remember to keep your passport with you while calling because the representative will ask you about your passport number and its expiry date.

How Long Does It Take to Cancel UAE Visa?

The visa cancellation process in Dubai and other Emirates does not take much time if there is no legal issue in your leaving the country. Usually, it takes 1-2 working days or 48 hours to cancel a UAE visa. However, it can take a day or 24 hours more if your employer has to apply for the cancellation of your labor card or work permit.

UAE Visa Cancellation Fees

Remember your visa cancellation process cannot be completed unless you pay the Dubai visa cancellation fee. The fee is different for different types of visas and the mode of cancellation. However, the whole process costs an individual between AED 100- and AED 200, whichever way you proceed. If you have applied online, you can download the UAE visa cancellation papers from the ICP website for further use.

Automatic UAE Visa Cancellation

Do you know that your UAE visa will get canceled if you remain out of the Emirates for six months or more continuously? But remember that this cancellation may result in a travel ban on your entry into the country. Therefore, it is always recommended to leave the Emirates after the cancellation of your Dubai visa. If you are employed, pursue your employer to apply cancellation on your behalf.

Grace Period for UAE Visa Cancellation

All expats who want to leave the UAE and get approvals for their visa cancellation applications can stay in the Emirates for some time, called a grace period. The duration of your stay depends on the type of visa you have. The table below will illustrate the grace period for different visa holders in the UAE after cancellation.

Categories of Expats	Grace Period after Cancellation
Golden Visa Holders and their Family Members	180 Days
Green Visa Holders and their Family Members	180 Days
Widows or Divorcees	180 Days
Students who have completed their degrees	180 Days
Skilled Professionals (1st and 2nd Level)	180 Days
Skilled Professionals (3rd Level)	90  Days
Property Owners	90  Days
Normal Resident	60  Days
All Remaining Categories	30  Days

Remember that you must pay a fine after the grace period ends. You will receive a fine of AED 100 for the first day after the expiry of the grace period and AED 25 per day for the number of days you stay in the Emirates.

Health Insurance After Visa Cancellation

As you know, health insurance is mandatory for living and working in the UAE. Usually, the employer or sponsor provides this coverage to the employees because the UAE law binds it to them.

Have you considered what happens to your health insurance plan when your employer or sponsor applies for your visa cancellation? Usually, your health coverage lasts for a period equal to the grace period after visa cancellation.

So, it is better to be aware of the insurance and know when it will expire. Ensure that the health insurance plan continues until you stay in the Emirates.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you have applied for visa cancellation for the first time, keep a few things in mind before leaving the Emirates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)