How Long Does It Take to Cancel a Work Visa in UAE?

The process of canceling a UAE work visa typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on various factors. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Employer Initiates Cancellation (1–3 days):

The employer submits a visa cancellation request to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

If applicable, the labor card and work permit must be canceled first.

Visa Cancellation Approval (2–5 days):

The UAE authorities process the request and approve the cancellation.

Exit or Change of Status (Immediate – up to 30 days):

Once canceled, the employee typically gets a 30-day grace period to exit the UAE or change to a new visa.

If all documents are in order, the process can be completed in as little as 3–5 working days. However, delays may occur due to incomplete paperwork or employer-related issues.