In recent years, the UAE has emerged as a magnet for individuals seeking a dynamic and prosperous destination for residence and work.
Investors from across the globe are increasingly drawn to the UAE. However, to live and do business in the UAE, it’s imperative to have a UAE visa, a prerequisite for entry and residence. So understanding how to check your visa cancellation status in UAE is important.
As investors and professionals explore opportunities to set up a company in the UAE, understanding the intricacies of obtaining and maintaining a UAE Visa becomes paramount. Knowing your visa cancellation status in UAE is a key part of this process.
Check Your Visa Cancellation Status In UAE
Navigating your visa cancellation status check UAE is an easy process, which can be done through ICP visa status check.
Steps to help you check visa status UAE:
- Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Navigate to “Services” and choose: check the visa status.
- Enter the needed details, including your passport number and other additional details related to your visa.
- Receive information on your visa status, such as the visa’s expiration date, visa type, and other information specific to your UAE visa status.
Alternatively, you can contact the Amer service helpline or visit one of the Amer centers to find out how to check visa cancellation status in UAE. It’s important to be aware of your visa cancellation status in UAE throughout your stay in the country.
Understanding the Visa Cancellation Process in UAE
The process and required documents for canceling the UAE Visa depend on many factors, including the type of visa. It also depends on whether you are employed in a free zone or mainland UAE. Below are the general steps involved.
Canceling your employment visa
Firstly follow the above steps to learn how to check employment visa status. For employers looking to navigate employment visa cancellation UAE, the first step is canceling the work permit and labor contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
Canceling your work permit
To get visa cancellation of the work permit, you will need the following:
- A visa cancellation application form signed by the employee.
- A letter from your employee confirming receipt of all due salary, leave salary, gratuity payments, and other end-of-service benefits.
- Approval from MoHRE to cancel the labor contract.
- Application to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) to officially cancel the residence visa through ICP UAE visa cancellation.
If you’re the sponsor of family members in the UAE and you’re canceling your residency visa in UAE, then you must cancel their residence visas first. You can also cancel the UAE Visa of the dependents if they are outside the UAE.
Canceling your investor visa
If you are an investor and want to cancel your UAE Visa, you can do that physically by visiting an Amer Service Center, or online using the ICP website or ICP app to navigate your visa cancellation status in UAE.
Step By Step Guide On Cancelling your UAE Visa
Step 1: Employer or Sponsor Requests Cancellation
The visa cancellation process in Dubai is as follows. The employer (for work visas) or individual (for investor visas) must initiate the cancellation request through the appropriate authority.
Step 2: Submission of Required Documents
Documents required to cancel a UAE Visa differ based on the type of the visa. The key documents required at SPC Free Zone to cancel a family, employee, or investor visa include:
Investor:
- Request letter from the investor.
- Copy of Visa (Change-of-Status or without).
Employment:
- Passport copy of employee.
- Passport copy of Emirates ID.
- Attested and stamped end-of-service benefits confirmation.
Dependent:
- Dependent Visa Cancellation form.
- Original Passport of the Sponsor.
- Original Passport of the Dependent.
- Original Emirates ID.
Step 3: Approval from the Immigration Department
Regardless of the type of visa you want to cancel, the process usually takes 1-2 working days for most visa types and involves submitting the required documents, paying the applicable visa cancellation fees, and obtaining the cancellation approval letter by email. The request is processed through ICA or GDRFA, and once approved, the visa is officially canceled. Understanding visa cancellation status in UAE is vital at this stage.
Grace Period After Cancellation
Once the visa is canceled, individuals typically have a 30-day grace period to leave the UAE or apply for a new visa.
Free Zone Visa Cancellation: Key Differences
For businesses operating in UAE free zones, the visa cancellation process is slightly different from the mainland system.
- Jurisdiction: The respective free zone authority, rather than the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), assumes responsibility for all employment visa cancellations.
- Employer Clearance: Prior to initiating the cancellation, employers are required to furnish a clearance letter confirming the settlement of all outstanding dues and obligations.
- Employee Departure: In cases where the employee intends to exit the United Arab Emirates, submission of a flight ticket copy may be a prerequisite for the visa cancellation status in UAE process.
Common Issues When Checking Visa Cancellation Status In UAE
Sometimes, visa cancellation requests face delays or errors. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
❌ Cancellation Status Not Updated
Solution: Contact the free zone authority or immigration department for an update.
❌ Outstanding Dues or Fines
Solution: Settle any unpaid fines, loans, or end-of-service payments before requesting cancellation
❌ Sponsor Not Processing Cancellation
Solution: Employees can report employers who fail to process visa cancellations through MOHRE visa cancellation or the free zone authority.
❌ Overstay Penalties After Cancellation
Solution: Make sure to exit the UAE within the grace period or apply for a new visa to avoid penalties. It’s important to monitor your visa cancellation status in UAE to avoid these issues.
Legal Consequences of Not Cancelling a Visa in UAE
Failing to cancel a visa properly can lead to severe consequences, including:
🚨 Overstay Fines – Failing to leave the UAE after visa cancellation results in daily fines.
🚨 Travel Restrictions – Unresolved visa issues may prevent you from returning to the UAE.
🚨 Employment Ban – Employees who do not complete the proper cancellation process may face.
The Benefits of Expert Guidance
Though the process of canceling a UAE Visa is straightforward, it requires good knowledge of the requirements and regulations. Get the assistance of qualified professionals like those at SPC Free Zone, who can guide you through the process.
Most Asked Questions
How long do I have to leave the UAE after my visa is cancelled?
You generally have a 30-day grace period after your visa is officially cancelled to either exit the UAE or apply for a new visa. Overstaying this period can result in daily fines.
Where do I check my UAE visa cancellation status in UAE?
You can check your ICA visa cancellation status through the official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, by visiting an Amer service center, or by contacting the Amer service helpline.
What documents are typically required for a freezone visa cancellation process?
You’ll likely need your passport copy, Emirates ID copy, and a signed end-of-service benefits confirmation. Employers also need to provide a clearance letter stating all dues are settled.
What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?
If your employer fails to process your visa cancellation, you can report them to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland visas or the respective free zone authority for free zone visas.
Can I cancel my family’s visas if they are outside the UAE?
Yes, you can cancel the visas of your dependents even if they are currently outside the UAE. You’ll need to follow the same cancellation process as if they were inside the country.
One Reply to “Navigating UAE Visas: Your Complete Guide to Status and Cancellation”
I want to more about my visa status