How to cancel your visa in UAE? Need to know your rights!

February 26, 2024
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Visa cancellation

Visa cancellation and final settlement procedures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are critical aspects that expatriates and employers must understand. The UAE, with its thriving economy and multicultural workforce, attracts millions of expatriates every year. However, with the end of an employment contract or changes in residency status, visa cancellation becomes a necessity. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the intricacies of visa cancellation and final settlement procedures in the UAE.

Understanding Visa Cancellation:

Visa cancellation is a formal process that terminates an individual’s legal residency status in the UAE. Several circumstances warrant visa cancellation, including the completion of an employment contract, resignation, termination, or expiration of a visa. Employers or sponsors typically initiate the visa cancellation process through the relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Who can cancel your UAE visa? detail

In the UAE, there are several authorities that can cancel a visa depending on the circumstances:

Employer/Sponsor: If you are employed in the UAE, your employer or sponsor holds the authority to cancel your visa, particularly if your employment contract is terminated or if they no longer require your services.
Immigration Authorities: The UAE’s immigration authorities, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), can cancel visas for various reasons, including violations of immigration laws, expiration of visas, or upon request by the sponsor.
Ministry of Interior: The Ministry of Interior may also have the authority to cancel visas in certain cases, particularly if there are legal issues or violations involved.

It’s important to note that visa cancellation procedures may vary depending on the type of visa (employment visa, tourist visa, residence visa, etc.) and the specific circumstances surrounding the cancellation. It’s advisable to consult with your employer, sponsor, or relevant immigration authorities for accurate information and assistance regarding visa cancellation in the UAE.

What should you do before your UAE visa gets canceled?

Before your UAE visa gets canceled, it’s essential to take several preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential complications. Here’s what you should do:

Review Employment Contract: Carefully review your employment contract to understand the terms and conditions related to visa cancellation, notice period, and final settlement.

Notify Employer: If you intend to resign or are aware of impending visa cancellation, notify your employer in advance as per the notice period stipulated in your contract.

Secure Personal Documents: Ensure you have copies of all essential documents, including your passport, visa copy, Emirates ID, and any relevant employment documents.

Settle Financial Obligations: Clear any outstanding financial obligations, such as rent, utility bills, loans, or credit card payments, before your visa cancellation to avoid legal issues.

Inform Banks and Service Providers: Notify banks, utility providers, and other service providers about your impending departure and provide them with updated contact information.

Return Company Assets: If you possess any company-owned assets, such as laptops, mobile phones, or vehicles, return them to your employer in good condition before your visa cancellation.

Organize Personal Affairs: Arrange for the shipment of personal belongings, closure of bank accounts, cancellation of subscriptions, and other necessary arrangements before leaving the country.

Finalize Residency Affairs: If you have dependents under your sponsorship, ensure their residency status is addressed before your visa cancellation to avoid any disruptions.

Health Insurance Coverage: Verify your health insurance coverage and ensure it remains valid until your departure from the UAE or arrange for alternative coverage if necessary.

Seek Legal Advice: If you have any concerns or uncertainties about the visa cancellation process or final settlement, seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in UAE labor laws.

By proactively addressing these tasks before your UAE visa gets canceled, you can mitigate potential challenges and ensure a seamless transition out of the country.

How to cancel your UAE visa?

Canceling your UAE visa involves several steps, primarily initiated by your employer or sponsor. Here’s a general overview of how to cancel your UAE visa:

Notification: Notify your employer or sponsor about your intention to cancel your visa. This could be due to the completion of your employment contract, resignation, or other circumstances requiring visa cancellation.

Document Preparation: Gather the necessary documents required for visa cancellation, which typically include:

Passport copy

Visa copy

Emirates ID copy

Cancellation application form (available through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA)

Submit Documents to GDRFA: Your employer or sponsor must submit the required documents to the GDRFA office in the emirate where your visa was issued. This can usually be done online through the relevant government portal or in person at a GDRFA customer service center.

Approval Process: The GDRFA reviews the submitted documents and processes the visa cancellation request. This may take a few days to complete.

Visa Cancellation Stamp: Once the visa cancellation request is approved, the GDRFA will stamp your passport with a visa cancellation mark. This signifies the official termination of your residency status in the UAE.

Exit Procedures: Before leaving the UAE, ensure you complete all necessary exit procedures, including:

Settling any outstanding financial obligations (e.g., rent, utility bills)

Returning company-owned assets (e.g., laptops, mobile phones)

Obtaining an exit permit, if required (this may vary depending on your visa type and sponsor)

Departure: Once all exit procedures are completed and your visa is canceled, you are free to depart from the UAE.

It’s important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for visa cancellation may vary depending on factors such as your visa type, sponsor, and the emirate where your visa was issued. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with your employer or sponsor and refer to official government resources for accurate and up-to-date information on the visa cancellation process in the UAE.

What to do after a visa cancellation?

After a visa cancellation in the UAE, there are several important steps to take to ensure a smooth transition and comply with legal requirements:

Exit the Country: Once your visa is canceled, you must exit the UAE within the specified grace period. This grace period varies depending on the type of visa and the circumstances of cancellation. Ensure you leave the country before your permitted stay expires to avoid any overstay penalties or legal issues.

Settle Financial Obligations: Clear any outstanding financial obligations before leaving the UAE. This includes settling rent, utility bills, loans, credit card payments, and any other outstanding dues. Make sure to obtain receipts or confirmation of payments as proof of settlement.

Return Company Assets: If you were provided with company-owned assets, such as laptops, mobile phones, or vehicles, ensure you return them to your employer or sponsor in good condition before departing the country. Failure to return company assets could lead to legal repercussions or financial penalties.

Close Bank Accounts: If you have any bank accounts in the UAE, close them before leaving the country. Visit your bank branch and follow their procedures for closing accounts. Ensure you withdraw any remaining funds and settle any outstanding balances before closure.

Cancel Services and Subscriptions: Cancel any ongoing services or subscriptions, such as internet, utilities, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions. Contact the respective service providers and follow their procedures for cancellation. This helps avoid unnecessary charges or fees after your departure.

Inform Relevant Authorities: Notify relevant authorities and institutions about your departure from the UAE. This may include your employer, landlord, utility providers, banks, and any other entities with whom you have ongoing obligations or relationships. Provide them with updated contact information if necessary.

Health Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance coverage in the UAE, ensure it remains valid until your departure date. If your insurance is provided by your employer, inquire about coverage during the grace period after visa cancellation or arrange for alternative coverage if needed.

Keep Important Documents Secure: Safeguard important documents, such as your passport, visa cancellation documents, receipts of financial transactions, and any other relevant paperwork. Keep these documents in a secure location during your travel and upon arrival at your destination.

By following these steps after a visa cancellation, you can ensure a smooth departure from the UAE and avoid any potential legal or financial issues. It’s essential to plan ahead and take care of all necessary arrangements to facilitate a hassle-free transition.

Which documents are required for visa cancellation and final settlement?

The specific documents required for visa cancellation and final settlement in the UAE may vary depending on various factors such as the type of visa, the emirate where the visa was issued, and the policies of the relevant authorities. However, here is a general list of documents commonly required for these processes:

Passport: A copy of your passport, including the main page with personal details and the visa page, is typically required for both visa cancellation and final settlement.
Visa Copy: A copy of your UAE visa, which includes the visa sticker or electronic visa page in your passport, is essential for the visa cancellation process.
Emirates ID Copy: If you have been issued an Emirates ID card, a copy of both sides of the Emirates ID card is often required for visa cancellation and final settlement.
Cancellation Application Form: Employers or sponsors usually need to fill out a visa cancellation application form provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant immigration authority. This form includes details such as the reason for cancellation, the employee’s information, and the employer’s declaration.
Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract may be required for final settlement to verify terms related to salary, allowances, benefits, and end-of-service gratuity.
Salary Statements: Copies of salary statements or pay slips for the duration of your employment may be requested to calculate final settlement amounts accurately.
End-of-Service Benefits Calculation: Documentation related to the calculation of end-of-service benefits, such as gratuity, may be required. This may include records of your years of service and salary history.
Clearance Certificate: Some employers may issue a clearance certificate or no-objection certificate (NOC) stating that you have cleared all financial obligations and returned company assets. This certificate may be needed as proof for final settlement.
Bank Account Details: Providing your bank account details may be necessary for employers to transfer final settlement amounts, including salary dues and end-of-service benefits.
Other Relevant Documents: Depending on individual circumstances and employer policies, additional documents such as health insurance details, housing contracts, or vehicle ownership documents may be required for final settlement.

It’s essential to communicate with your employer or sponsor to understand the specific documentation requirements for visa cancellation and final settlement in your situation. Additionally, consulting with relevant government authorities or legal advisors can ensure compliance with all necessary procedures and regulations.

Is it mandatory to cancel your UAE visa?

Yes, it is mandatory to cancel your UAE visa under certain circumstances. The requirement to cancel your visa arises primarily when you no longer intend to reside or work in the UAE, or when your legal residency status in the country is terminated. Here are some scenarios where visa cancellation is mandatory:

End of Employment Contract: If your employment contract in the UAE comes to an end due to resignation, termination, or completion of the contract period, it is mandatory to cancel your employment visa.
Change of Sponsorship/Employer: If you change employers or sponsors in the UAE, you are required to cancel your existing visa sponsored by the previous employer before obtaining a new visa sponsored by the new employer.
Expiration of Visa: If your UAE residence visa expires and you do not intend to renew it or extend your stay in the country, you must cancel the visa to avoid penalties or legal complications associated with overstaying.
Leaving the Country Permanently: If you decide to leave the UAE permanently and do not plan to return, you are required to cancel your visa before departing from the country.

Failure to cancel your UAE visa when required can lead to legal consequences, including fines, bans on re-entry, and difficulties in future visa applications. Additionally, it is essential to follow the correct procedures for visa cancellation to ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws and regulations.

It’s advisable to consult with your employer, sponsor, or relevant immigration authorities to understand the specific requirements and procedures for visa cancellation based on your circumstances and visa type in the UAE.

How can Golden Star Businessmen Services help you with the visa cancellation process?

Golden Star Businessmen Services can assist individuals with the visa cancellation process in the UAE by providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the procedure. Here’s how they can help:

Expert Guidance: Golden Star Businessmen Services can offer expert guidance on the visa cancellation process, including the required documents, procedures, and timelines involved. They can ensure that individuals understand their rights and obligations regarding visa cancellation in compliance with UAE immigration laws.
Document Preparation: They can assist individuals in preparing and organizing the necessary documents for visa cancellation, such as passport copies, visa copies, Emirates ID, and cancellation application forms. This helps streamline the process and ensures that all required documentation is in order.
Submission Assistance: Golden Star Businessmen Services can help individuals submit their visa cancellation applications to the relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), either online or in person. They can ensure that applications are submitted accurately and promptly to expedite the cancellation process.
Follow-up and Coordination: They can follow up with the immigration authorities on behalf of individuals to track the status of their visa cancellation applications and ensure timely processing. They can also coordinate with employers or sponsors to address any additional requirements or inquiries from the authorities.
Exit Procedures: Golden Star Businessmen Services can provide guidance on the necessary exit procedures to be completed after visa cancellation, such as settling financial obligations, returning company assets, and obtaining an exit permit if required. They can ensure that individuals comply with all requirements before leaving the UAE.
Legal Compliance: They can ensure that individuals adhere to all legal requirements and regulations governing the visa cancellation process in the UAE. This helps mitigate the risk of potential complications or penalties associated with non-compliance.

Overall, Golden Star Businessmen Services can provide invaluable assistance and support to individuals navigating the visa cancellation process in the UAE, making the transition smoother and more efficient. Their expertise and experience in immigration services ensure that individuals can cancel their visas with confidence and peace of mind.

It’s essential to communicate clearly with Golden Star Businessmen Services throughout the process and to comply with any instructions they provide. Additionally, be aware of any fees associated with the visa cancellation process, which Golden Star Businessmen Services will outline for you.

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