Visa cancellation in Dubai is an important step for anyone leaving the city or changing their status. It’s a process that affects workers, families, and tourists alike. While it might sound scary, it’s actually quite straightforward if you know what to do. Understanding how to cancel your visa properly can save you time, money, and future headaches. Let’s explore this crucial topic together.
What is Visa Cancellation?
Visa cancellation is the official process of ending your legal permission to stay in Dubai. It’s an essential step when you’re leaving your job, moving out of the country, or changing your visa type.
The visa cancellation process in Dubai is generally simpler than obtaining a new visa, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid future complications or legal issues.
Types of Visas That Need Cancellation
In Dubai, there are three main types of visas that people usually need to cancel:
- Employment Visa
- Family Visa
- Tourist Visa
Let’s examine each type in detail to understand the specific requirements and procedures.
Cancelling an Employment Visa
If you’re working in Dubai, you have an employment visa. When you decide to leave your job or move to a new employer, this visa needs to be cancelled. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to know:
Who Handles the Cancellation? Your current employer (also known as your visa sponsor) must handle the visa cancellation. As an employee, you cannot initiate or complete this process on your own.
Required Documents:
Your employer will need to provide:
- Your original ID card
- A copy of your current passport
- A copy of your residence visa page
- The company’s e-signature card (for the authorized signatory)
- A copy of the company’s trade license
- A copy of the company’s labor establishment card
- A copy of the immigration establishment card
The Step by Step Process:
- Your employer fills out an application form at a service center (like Tasheel or Amer centers) or online through the Ministry’s e-forms program.
- The authorized company representative signs the form.
- Your employer submits all required documents to initiate the process.
- First, your labor card is temporarily cancelled in the Ministry of Labor system.
- This information is then electronically forwarded to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) to cancel your residence visa permit.
- A company representative may need to visit the GDRFA office.
- Finally, the GDRFA sends electronic confirmation to permanently cancel the labor card.
Cost: The visa cancellation process in Dubai for employment visas usually costs between 100 to 200 AED.
It’s crucial to follow your company’s procedures for resigning and maintain good conduct throughout your employment and the cancellation process. This helps ensure a smooth visa cancellation and maintains positive relationships, which can be beneficial for future employment opportunities or references.
Cancelling a Family Visa
If you sponsored your family members to live in Dubai, you’ll need to cancel their visas when they leave or if your own visa status changes. Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works:
Who Handles the Cancellation? As the sponsor, you are responsible for cancelling the family visa.
Where to Process the Cancellation:
You have two main options:
- Visit an authorized typing center
- Go directly to the immigration office
Required Documents:
To cancel a family visa, you’ll need:
- Your original passport
- The original passport of the family member whose visa is being cancelled
- Your Emirates ID
- A completed application form (e-Vision form)
The Process Step by Step:
- Visit a typing center or the immigration office.
- If at a typing center, they will fill out the cancellation form for you and submit it online through the official portal.
- At the immigration office, you’ll submit the documents and form directly.
- Usually, you’ll receive approval for the cancellation within an hour.
- If you used a typing center, you’ll get a printout of the cancellation confirmation.
Cost: The cost for cancelling a family visa ranges from 200 to 250 AED.
If you process the cancellation at a typing center, you’ll only receive a printout of the cancellation. This is generally sufficient. However, if you want an official cancellation stamp in the passport, you’ll need to visit the immigration office. You can do this either by submitting the cancellation request directly at the immigration office or by taking the cancellation paper from the typing center, along with the original passport, to the immigration office. They will place the cancellation stamp in the passport free of charge.
Cancelling a Tourist Visa
Tourist visas work a bit differently when it comes to cancellation. Here’s what you need to know:
Do You Need to Cancel It? In most cases, you don’t need to actively cancel a tourist visa. These visas automatically become invalid after 60 days from the date of issue.
When Cancellation is Necessary:
You only need to cancel a tourist visa in specific situations:
- If you want to apply for a longer-term visa before your current one expires
- If you’re applying for a resident visa (such as an employment or family visa)
Who Handles the Cancellation? If cancellation is necessary, the visa sponsor (which could be a travel agency, hotel, or resident sponsor) can request the cancellation.
Cost: Cancelling a tourist visa costs between 150 to 200 AED.
Staying Longer in Dubai After Visa Cancellation
If you want to extend your stay in Dubai after your primary visa (employment or family) has been cancelled, you have several options:
Grace Period: After your visa is cancelled, you have a 28-day grace period to stay in Dubai without additional paperwork. This period is free and automatically granted.
Options for Extending Your Stay:
- Apply for a new tourist visa: This can be done before your grace period ends.
- Visa run: For nationals of certain countries, you can exit Dubai (often to Oman) and re-enter to get a new on-arrival tourist visa.
- Airport-to-airport visa change: This involves a short trip to a nearby country and returning with a new tourist visa.
- “Inside country” visa: This allows you to change your visa status without leaving Dubai.
Each of these options has its own process and requirements, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best fits your situation.
Leaving Dubai Without Cancelling Your Visa
It’s extremely important to properly cancel your visa before leaving Dubai permanently. Here are the potential consequences of not doing so:
What Happens If You Don’t Cancel:
- Your visa automatically becomes invalid after 6 months of continuous absence from the UAE.
- Your employer might report you as absconding (missing), which can lead to legal issues.
- You could be banned from entering the UAE in the future.
- Future visa applications to the UAE might be rejected.
- If you try to return to the UAE, you might face problems or even arrest at the airport.
These consequences can have long-lasting effects on your ability to visit or work in the UAE, so it’s crucial to follow the proper cancellation procedures.
Cancelling a Visa When You’re Outside Dubai
Sometimes, circumstances might require you to cancel your visa while you’re not physically present in Dubai. Here’s how it works for different visa types:
For Family Visa:
- The sponsor who is still in Dubai can handle the cancellation.
- They need to provide passports, Emirates ID, and a completed form.
- The cost is approximately 266 AED, plus additional charges for typing services.
For Employment Visa:
- This situation is more complicated and requires cooperation from your employer.
- Your employer must handle the cancellation process on your behalf.
- You need a valid reason for being unable to return to Dubai.
- Any outstanding debts or issues with your employer should be resolved first.
Cancelling a Freezone Visa
If you work in one of Dubai’s Freezone areas, the visa cancellation process has some unique aspects:
- Both you and your employer need to be present at the Freezone authority office.
- You must bring your original passport and Emirates ID.
- You’ll meet with Freezone officers to mutually agree on terminating your employment contract.
- This face-to-face process ensures that all rules are followed and that both parties agree to the termination.
Wrapping Up
The visa cancellation process in Dubai might seem complex at first, but it’s manageable if you follow the correct steps and prepare the necessary documents. Whether you’re leaving a job, relocating your family, or ending a tourist stay, understanding these rules and procedures will help you navigate the process smoothly.
Remember, it’s always advisable to start the cancellation process well in advance of your planned departure or visa change. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek help from official sources or licensed visa consultants. By following the proper procedures, you can ensure that your time in Dubai ends on a positive note, leaving the door open for future visits or opportunities in this dynamic city.
Lastly, keep in mind that while this guide provides a comprehensive overview, visa regulations can change. Always verify the most current requirements with official UAE government sources or your employer’s HR department to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your specific situation.
For personalized assistance and expert guidance, contact Abatera PRO Services today.
