Visa Cancelation

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In the UAE, visa cancellation is the process of formally ending a residency or employment visa. This is a required step when an individual leaves their job, changes their residency status, or leaves the country permanently. The cancellation process is typically initiated by the visa sponsor, which could be an employer or a family member.  

Cancellation can be done online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) websites, or through a registered typing Agency.  

• Employment Visas:
  If you are employed, your employer will cancel your work permit and visa. 
• Dependent Visas:
  If you are sponsoring dependents, you must cancel their visas before canceling your own. 
• Grace Period:
  After cancellation, a grace period is usually provided for the individual to either find a new job, transfer their sponsorship, or exit the country.
• Consequences of non-cancellation:
  If a visa is not canceled when required, it can lead to fines, legal issues, and potential travel bans. 
• Visa Validity:
  If a resident visa holder stays outside the UAE for more than six months, the visa may automatically become invalid. 

Cancellation after Expiry:
Even if a visa is automatically invalidated due to prolonged absence, it still needs to be formally canceled.