Mohre Visa Cancellation – Cancellation Of Work Permits
The MOHRE Visa Cancellation process is a crucial administrative procedure regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). When an employer wishes to terminate an employee’s work permit or employment contract, it is mandatory to follow a formal cancellation process that complies with UAE labor laws.
Whether an employee has resigned, been terminated, or passed away, the employer must initiate the visa cancellation process through approved channels. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the work visa cancellation procedure, required documents, timelines, costs, and related services.
What is Mohre Visa Cancellation
MOHRE Visa Cancellation refers to the official process of terminating an employee’s work permit and labor contract in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
When an employee leaves a job either due to resignation, termination, death, medical unfitness, or administrative deportation the employer must formally cancel the work permit and employment records to close the employee’s legal status with MOHRE.
Types of Visa Cancellations
Different types of MOHRE visa cancellations apply depending on the employee’s situation:
| Case Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Cancellation | Regular resignation or termination |
| Outside Country Cancellation | Worker is abroad during cancellation |
| Medical Unfitness | Unfit as per medical report |
| Deceased Worker | Based on death certificate |
| Initial Approval – Used Permit | Requires signatures from both employer and employee |
| Initial Approval – Unused Permit | Only employer’s signature is needed |
| Administrative Deportation | Canceled by authorities due to deportation |
Work Permit and Visa Cancellation in the UAE
In the UAE, the cancellation of a work permit and residence visa is a two-step process:
- Work Permit Cancellation: Handled by MOHRE enquiry, this step involves terminating the employment contract and labor card.
- Residence Visa Cancellation: Managed by ICP or GDRFA, this step involves canceling the individual’s residency status in the UAE.
It’s essential to complete both steps to fully terminate an individual’s legal employment and residency status in the country.
Guide to Work Permit Cancellation or visa cancel via MOHRE
Below is a simplified workflow to cancel a UAE work permit via MOHRE:
Step 1: Login Using UAE Pass or Emirates ID
- Access MOHRE online website or mobile app
- Authenticate using UAE Pass or Emirates ID.
Step 2: Submit Cancellation Request
- Navigate to “Work Permit Cancellation” under employer services
- Choose the employee whose visa is to be canceled
- Upload necessary documents
Step 3: Verification by MOHRE
- MOHRE will validate the application
- If any document is missing, the employer will be notified
Step 4: Final Approval and Cancellation
- Upon meeting all requirements, the employment contract and visa will be officially canceled
Terms and Conditions
- Fines: Payment of any fines incurred due to late issuance or non-renewal of work permits (excluding unused work permits).
- Employee Rights: An official statement confirming that the worker’s rights, dues, and entitlements have been fully satisfied.
- Employee Consent: Employee’s signature indicating agreement to cancellation and acknowledgment of receipt of all labor dues. Exceptions include employees who are overseas, deceased, suffering from contagious diseases, or administratively canceled.
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing Time: Typically completed within 2 working days.
- Fees: The service is free of charge via MOHRE’s website and smart app. Business centers may charge a commission, capped at AED 72.
Mohre Visa Cancellation Document Form
Residence Visa Cancellation Via ICP and GDRFA
After canceling the work permit, the next step is to cancel the residence visa through ICP (for emirates other than Dubai) or GDRFA (for Dubai).
1. Cancellation Through ICP
- Applicable Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
- Procedure:
- Online Application: Submit the application through the ICP website or ICP app.
- Review and Adjustments: Review the application form and make necessary adjustments to the retrieved data if required.
- Document Submission: Attach required documents if data retrieval through integration fails.
- Payment: Pay the required fees.
- Finalization: Receive the final product confirming cancellation.
- Required Documents:
- Passport of the sponsored individual.
- Emirates ID.
- For investors or partners: Certificate of cancellation or waiver of the commercial license.
- For deceased individuals: Death certificate from the relevant authorities.
- Fees:
- Issuance Fees: AED 50.
- Electronic Services Fees: AED 100.
- Processing Time: Typically completed within 2 working days.
2. Cancellation Through GDRFA (Dubai)
- Procedure:
- Online Application: Log in to the GDRFA website or use the GDRFA-Dubai mobile application.
- Form Submission: Fill in the application data and attach required documents.
- Payment: Pay the service fee.
- Submission: Submit the application.
- Required Documents:
- Sponsor’s passport.
- Passport of the sponsored person.
- Extract of work permit cancellation issued by MOHRE (for private sector employees).
- Fees:
- Residence permit cancellation: AED 100.
- Additional charges: Knowledge Dirham AED 10, Innovation Dirham AED 10.
- Processing Time: Typically completed within 48 hours.
Who Can Use Visa Cancellation?
| Initiator | Eligibility & Conditions |
|---|---|
| Employer | Must cancel visa after job termination, redundancy, or resignation. |
| Employee | Can request cancellation in mutual agreement or in labour dispute resolution. |
| Third Party (e.g. PRO) | Authorized by employer to process visa cancellation through MOHRE and ICP. |
How to Check MOHRE Visa Cancellation Status
To verify the status of your MOHRE Visa Cancellation, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official MOHRE website at www.mohre.gov.ae.
- Navigate to the “Labor Card Status” section from the homepage or services menu.
- Enter your passport number or labour card number in the designated field.
- Click the “Submit” button to view the current progress of your visa cancellation request.
Special Scenarios and Considerations
1. Cancellation for Employees Outside the UAE
If the employee is outside the UAE, the employer can proceed with the cancellation process by providing the residence visa details.
2. Cancellation Due to Death
In the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, the employer must submit a death certificate from the relevant authority to proceed with the cancellation.
3. Administrative Deportation
For employees who have been administratively deported, the employer should provide the residence visa details to facilitate cancellation.
What Happens After MOHRE Visa Cancellation?
Once the visa is officially cancelled:
- The employee receives an employment cancellation certificate.
- The residency visa is stamped “cancelled” in the passport.
- The employee has a 30-day grace period to:
- Find a new job and transfer their visa
- Leave the country
- Apply for a tourist or visit visa
Key Rules and Legal Aspects to Know
1. Employee Consent is Mandatory
The employee must sign the cancellation form. In case of dispute, MOHRE can intervene through a complaint or mediation process.
2. Final Settlement is Required
Before cancellation, the employer must:
- Pay final salary
- Provide gratuity (if applicable)
- Clear any pending dues (leave pay, notice period, etc.)
3. Employer Must Return Employee’s Passport
It is illegal for an employer to withhold an employee’s passport during this process.
4. No Ban If Terms Fulfilled
If an employee resigns after completing the minimum contract term or serves the notice period, a labour ban is typically not applied.
Grace Period and Post-Cancellation Obligations
- Grace Period: After cancellation, the individual typically has a 30-day grace period to either leave the country or obtain a new visa.
- Obligations:
- Settle all financial dues and obligations.
- Close bank accounts and cancel credit cards.
- Terminate tenancy contracts and utility services.
- Sell or transfer ownership of vehicles, if any.
FAQs About MOHRE Visa Cancelation
Can an employee cancel their visa themselves?
Ans: No. Only employers are authorized to initiate the MOHRE visa cancellation process. However, the employee’s acknowledgment and signature are typically required.
What if the employee is not available to sign?
Ans: In special cases like death, contagious disease, or deportation, MOHRE waives the requirement for employee signature.
What happens if the cancellation is not completed?
Ans: If the work permit is not properly canceled, the employer may continue to incur fines. The employee may also face issues with future visa applications.
Conclusion
The MOHRE Visa Cancellation process, along with subsequent residence visa cancellations via ICP or GDRFA, involves a series of well defined steps and requirements. Employers must ensure compliance with all procedures to facilitate a smooth transition for departing employees. By adhering to the outlined guidelines and preparing the necessary documentation, both employers and employees can navigate the cancellation process efficiently and in accordance with UAE regulations.
