UAE Visa Cancellation Process – A Complete Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a captivating place to live and visit. It brings in millions of expatriate workers and other tourists each year. But if you are planning to leave the country. It can be for personal reasons, changing jobs, going on a vacation, or for any other reason; the first step to take is to cancel your UAE visa. If you’re looking for the UAE visa cancellation process, this manual will guide you through the entire process. We will discuss the steps and the different types of visas applicable, so you can have a more convenient journey. 

Types of Visas in the UAE

It is best to explain the different visas issued by the UAE before knowing about the UAE visa cancellation process. Cancellation of a visa will depend on the type of visa one holds. Generally, it’s classified as the following: 

• Employment Visa: Provided to foreigners who get a job within the UAE. This visa permits one to work and live in the country.
• Tourist Visa: Available to people who are coming to the UAE for tourism purposes. These visas allow short stays of 30 or 90 days.
• Residency Visa: This is issued to foreign nationals who wish to live in the UAE for a long period, usually because of family reunification, investments, or owning property.
• Visit Visa: This is granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit family or friends living in the UAE. This type of visa is usually valid for 30 to 90 days.
• Student Visa: This is a type of visa that is meant for foreign nationals intending to study in the UAE.
• Transit Visa: This is given to travelers who are connecting flights in the UAE to other destinations. These visas are typically granted for 48 or 96 hours.

What Steps Do I Take For the UAE Visa Cancellation Process?

The UAE visa cancellation process has a standard procedure because it is essential for expatriates to complete their exit formally and in an orderly manner. Here are the steps you need to follow to understand the cancellation process.

Step 1: Meeting All The Required Criteria Before the UAE Visa Cancellation Process

In the case where a UAE visa cancellation process is initiated, some criteria need to be satisfied. For instance, if you’re employed, make sure you clear all dues and outstanding salary and benefits with the employer. Also, while cancelling a family visa, all dependents should have exited the country, or be ready for a cancellation too.

Step 2: Employer or Sponsor Initiates the Process of Employment or Dependent Visa Cancellation

The employer or sponsor shoule commence the cancellation process for dependent or employment visas. This step is done through either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). It depends on the authority having jurisdiction over your registered place of residence.

Important Documentation For the UAE Visa Cancellation Process:

• Current passport
• ID card
• Visa, along with a labor card (if relevant)
• No objection certificate (NOC) from your current employer (if relevant)

Step 3: Application Submission

The sponsor or employer can apply along with documents through the available channels. These channels are:

• Online: You can cancel visa through online services from GDRFA and ICA. Some websites allow processing of applications and submissions of documents through their official portals.
• At a Typing Center: Cancelation documents will be prepared for submission at an authorized typing center.
• Through a Travel Agency: In cases where the sponsor does not wish to undertake the process, travel agencies can also manage the process.

Step 4: Settle All Unpaid Charges 

UAE visa cancellation process requires you to mark all pending fines during your time in the UAE. It can be overstaying your visa or not renewing your Emirates ID. Pay any fees incurred and settle them with the relevant authority before your visa cancellation can be processed.  

Step 5: Cancel Your Emirates ID 

An important step in the visa cancellation process is the Emirates ID. After your visa is canceled, you will have to give back your Emirates ID to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). This process can be done online or at a service center.  

Step 6: Depart from the UAE (If Required)

If you have removed the formalities required on the visa, then you are allowed to leave the country. For tourists or visitors, you will need to leave the UAE if your visa is canceled. This can be done through any international airport in the UAE.

Step 7: Collect the Cancellation Certificate  

The exit process involves obtaining a visa cancellation certificate. It confirms the annulment of your visa. This means you can no longer stay in the UAE under the previous visa.

FAQs

1. How long does the UAE visa cancellation process take? 

UAE visa cancellation process usually falls between the 2 to 3 business day mark. This duration could be extended. 

2. Can I stay in the UAE after my visa is cancelled? 

Upon cancellation of your visa, you are most often allowed a grace period of 30 days to exit the country. Staying beyond this timeframe will incur additional fines for each day.

3. Is it necessary to cancel my Emirates ID? 

Yes, it’s mandatory to return your Emirates ID after the visa cancellation procedure. You can do it online or at the relevant service center.

4. Is it possible to get a refund of a visa after cancellation? 

If an employer cancels the visa before its expiration date, some refund of the remaining money may be applicable. But this is not always applicable, as it depends on the type of visa.

5. Am I allowed to reapply for a visa after canceling my current visa? 

Yes, you are allowed to reapply for a new visa after its cancellation, as long as all the previous conditions and fines are cleared. The time required to process a new visa will depend on the type of visa to be applied for.

Conclusion

Although the UAE visa cancellation process is an uncomplicated one, it can be quite challenging. If you do not pay close attention to details and do not follow instructions. Having a clear understanding of the relevant procedures, associated documents, and timelines will certainly facilitate your exit from the UAE. To avoid legal penalties and other issues, be sure to respect all deadlines and complete all mandatory actions. This is how you ensure a smooth exit from the UAE.