There is much information to be found on how to get started in Dubai. From tips on establishing and growing a business to advice on applying for bank accounts, leases, visas, and more.

Urgent visa cancellation Dubai

However, most expatriates in the UAE eventually move on, either back home or to pastures new. Just like starting out here, departing also requires a fair amount of paperwork and processes – and information on these processes is harder to find.

For example, those intending to leave Dubai and live elsewhere are usually required to cancel their residency visas beforehand. When taking this step, it’s always a good idea to work with a local expert such as Set Hub. We can ensure that all procedures are followed and that your visa is cancelled in a timely manner.

Cancelling a visa in Dubai

The process of cancelling a visa in Dubai differs depending on the type of visa you hold and the activities you undertake in the UAE. Here we’ll explore a few of the most common steps that you may be required to carry out.

Who should cancel your residency visa?

In most cases, only a sponsor can cancel a residency visa. If you are employed, then this would be your employer.

Employers must first approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to make an application to cancel your labour contract and labour card. You will be involved in this process as your signature is required to begin these proceedings. At this stage, your employers should also send a letter to MOHRE stating that you have received all required payments and that your work permit is to be cancelled.

Once approved by the MOHRE, the employer must then forward the application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to process the visa cancellation.

If you are sponsoring dependant’s visas, it is you who must apply for their cancellation. You must do this before your employer applies to cancel yours.

How to cancel your residence visa in Dubai, UAE

A residency visa can be cancelled in the following ways:

Visiting a registered typing centre: The sponsor must submit an application for cancellation in person at a GDRFA-registered typing centre in the emirate of issuance. Typing centre staff will then process the application online.

Online: Alternatively, the sponsor may process the cancellation themselves online via the GDRFA or eChannels platform of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Documents required for cancelling visa in Dubai

The UAE government portal notes that the following documents are required to cancel a residency visa.

• Cancellation form signed by the sponsor
• Company stamp and a clearance certificate from MOHRE
• The original passport of the sponsored
• Original identity card of the sponsored
• Original passport or a computerised extract of residence visas (if the sponsored ones are out of the UAE)

 

UAE employment visa cancellation grace period

Once the residency visa is cancelled, the sponsored party is permitted to remain in the country for a grace period of up to 30 days. You must leave the country or change your residency status within this timeframe to avoid complications with immigration.

FAQs:

 

Can I cancel my employment visa myself in Dubai, UAE?

In almost all cases, the answer is no. Only the sponsor can apply for the cancellation of a visa, whether that is an employer or individual. To cancel your visa you must ask your employer or relevant free zone authority to process your request.

How many days can you stay after cancelling visa in Dubai, UAE, in 2021?

As above, you are only permitted to remain in the UAE for up to 30 days after the cancellation of your residency visa.

Do I need to close my bank account before leaving Dubai, UAE?

It is certainly advisable to close your bank account before leaving Dubai. Many financial institutions will apply a monthly charge on empty accounts. If unpaid, these charges may cause issues if and when you intend to re-enter the UAE.

Closing an account is easy. Simply fill out a closure form at your local branch.

What else do I need to do before leaving the UAE?

As well as cancelling your visa and closing your bank account, it is a good idea to tie up any other loose ends. This includes clearing your dates, cancelling lease agreements, and shutting off any utilities. Failure to do so could impact your ability to enter the UAE in the future.

Cancel your UAE residency visa with Set Hub

If you are armed with the right knowledge, cancelling your visa in the UAE doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the process is only straightforward if your application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you ensure that this is the case, it is a good idea to work with the experts at Set Hub.  We offer all visa and immigration services and can liaise with all relevant departments to help you cancel your visa quickly and easily.

We’re also on hand to help should you wish to return to the UAE, or if you need to relocate your business elsewhere in the region.

We are a team of company registration and business setup support professionals in Dubai who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs to life.

As well as handling license applications, Set Hub can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and offers a wide range of value-added business services.

Get in touch today on [email protected] to find out more.