Simple Guide to the Visa Cancellation Process in UAE

Visa Cancellation: A Simple Guide

When you have a residence visa for the UAE, it means that you have legal permission to live in the country for a specified period. This visa comes with certain responsibilities and benefits. If you decide to leave the UAE permanently, it’s essential to inform the authorities and follow the proper procedure to cancel your residence visa. Here’s why:

1. Compliance with Laws: Every country has specific regulations regarding visas and residency. By canceling your residence visa, you are adhering to the UAE’s legal requirements. Failure to do so might result in penalties or complications if you ever decide to return or if you have any pending financial or legal matters in the UAE.
2. Avoid Future Issues: If you don’t cancel your visa and leave without notifying the authorities, it could lead to administrative challenges. For instance, if your visa remains active, there might be implications related to visa renewals, fines, or even legal repercussions when you attempt to re-enter or engage with the UAE in any capacity in the future.
3. Clearance and Peace of Mind: Canceling your visa officially ensures that you’ve settled all your obligations in the UAE. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything by the book, and there are no unresolved matters related to your residency.
4. Protect Your Sponsor: If you were sponsored by a company or individual in the UAE, canceling your visa is also essential for them. It releases them from the obligation of being responsible for you as a resident, ensuring that they don’t face any unexpected liabilities or issues because of your prolonged stay without proper authorization.

Canceling your residence visa when leaving the UAE is a matter of legal compliance, ensuring clarity for both you and the UAE authorities, and maintaining a clean record for any future engagements with the country.

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Who Can Cancel Your Visa?

The process of canceling a residence visa in UAE involves specific parties who have the authority or responsibility to initiate and complete this procedure. Here’s a breakdown of who can cancel your visa:

1. Your Sponsor (Individual or Company):
   • In the UAE, many expatriates obtain their residence visas through sponsorship. This sponsor can be an individual, such as a family member or a friend, or a company that has employed the individual.
   • The sponsor is primarily responsible for the visa holder during their stay in the UAE. This responsibility includes facilitating the visa application process, ensuring the visa holder’s compliance with UAE laws, and managing any visa-related matters.
   • Given this responsibility, the sponsor has the authority and means to initiate the visa cancellation process when needed, such as when the visa holder decides to leave the UAE permanently.
2. Investor Visa Holders:
   • The UAE offers an investor visa, which is designed for individuals who have invested a significant amount of money in the country, typically in business ventures.
   • Since investor visa holders have a more independent status in the UAE, given their substantial contribution to the country’s economy, they have the autonomy to manage many aspects of their residency, including the cancellation process.
   • Therefore, if you hold an investor visa, you have the flexibility and authority to handle the cancellation of your visa on your own, without necessarily relying on a sponsor.

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Steps for Company-Sponsored Visa Cancellation:

To initiate the company-sponsored visa cancellation process, follow these essential steps:

1. The company should first cancel your labour card and work contract at MOHRE.
2. You must sign this application.
3. Once approved by MOHRE, the company applies for visa cancellation via ICP.
4. You’ll need to confirm you’ve received all due payments and benefits before they cancel your work permit.

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Visa Cancellation : GDRFA Dubai Process

Online Method:

1. Go to the GDRFA website.
2. Click on “Services” and then choose “Residency Services.”
3. From the options, choose “Cancellation of residence visa” followed by “Cancellation of all types of residence permits.”
4. Click on the “Start Service” button displayed in red on the page’s left side.
5. If you already have a UAE Pass account, log in. Otherwise, download the UAE Pass app, scan your face, and create a new account.
6. Enter your passport details, visa numbers, and nationality in the provided application form.
7. Make sure to attach necessary documents, such as a copy of your residency visa. If your Emirates ID wasn’t stamped, include a copy of it as well.
8. Complete the payment for the service fees associated with the cancellation process.
9. Once everything is filled out and attached, submit your application.

Typing Centers:

1. Locate and visit the nearest Amer typing center. These centers are open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm.
2. Staff at the center will guide you through the process. They’ll help you fill out the necessary form and ensure all documents are in order.
3. Pay the required fee for the visa cancellation service.
4. After completing the form and making the payment, submit your application through the typing center.

Both methods aim to assist residents in a hassle-free visa cancellation process, providing options for those comfortable with online procedures and those who prefer in-person assistance.

Fees for GDRFA:

• Urgent Service: AED 100
• Innovation Fee: AED 10
• Printing Fee (if using ZAJEL Courier): AED 100

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Visa Cancellation : FEDERAL AUTHORITY FOR IDENTITY, CITIZENSHIP, CUSTOMS & PORT SECURITY (ICP) in UAE

Online Method:

1. Go to the ICP official website.
2. Click on “Services for Individuals.”
3. Select “Cancel Residency Permit.”
4. Click on the “Start Service” option.
5. You’ll be directed to the ICP Smart Services portal. Choose “Public Visa Services.”
6. From the menu options, pick “Cancellation of Current Visa.”
7. Fill in your passport details, date of birth, and nationality.
8. Ensure you upload:
   • Your residency permit
   • Trade license (if you’re a partner or investor)
   • Death certificate (if applicable)
9. Proceed to the payment page. There’s a fee of AED 100, payable using a credit or debit card.
10. After completing the payment, submit your application.

Typing Centers:

1. the nearest ICP typing center.
2. Staff will assist you in filling out the necessary form.
3. Provide all required documents to the center.
4. Pay the designated fee for the visa cancellation service.
5. Once the form is filled, documents submitted, and fees paid, the center will help you submit your request.
6. After submission, await confirmation or approval from the ICP.

Both methods offer a structured approach to help residents with the visa cancellation process, catering to those who are comfortable with online procedures and those who prefer in-person assistance at typing centers.

Fees for ICP:

• Order Fee: AED 50
• E-services Fee: AED 10

The visa cancellation process in the UAE typically takes around 48 hours, though this timeframe can differ. After canceling, there are specific grace periods for different visa categories: 180 days for Golden Visa holders, widows/divorcees, completed students, and certain professionals; 90 days for some skilled professionals and property visa holders; 60 days for regular residents; and 30 days for visa-on-arrival categories.

If one overstays beyond their respective grace period, they’ll incur a daily fine of AED 50. For those considering renewing a tourist visa, it’s possible by adhering to the UAE’s renewal guidelines. However, the validity of a residence visa can vary depending on its type and sponsor. It’s crucial always to consult the most recent UAE visa regulations before making any decisions or taking actions.

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