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What Happens to a Work Permit After Resignation in the UAE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) governs work permit cancellation for all private-sector establishments. When an employee resigns, the employer bears full legal responsibility for initiating and completing the cancellation process. The procedure involves two separate steps: cancelling the labour contract and work permit through MOHRE, followed by cancelling the residence visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations establishes the legal framework for employment termination in the private sector. Under Article 6 of this law, no person may work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MOHRE. Once an employee's contract ends, the employer must cancel the associated work permit and process the residence visa cancellation without delay.
Employees cannot cancel their own work permits under standard circumstances. MOHRE assigns this obligation exclusively to the employer. An employee may request direct cancellation only if the employer's establishment is unregistered with the Ministry or if MOHRE cannot contact the employer within five working days of a filed labour complaint.
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Notice Period Requirements Before Work Permit Cancellation
Before the cancellation process begins, the resigning employee must serve the notice period specified in the employment contract. Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 sets the notice period at a minimum of 30 calendar days and a maximum of 90 calendar days. The notice must be submitted in writing.
During the probation period, separate rules apply. An employee who resigns to join another UAE employer must provide 30 days' written notice. An employee resigning to leave the country must provide 14 days' notice.
Both parties may agree in writing to waive or shorten the notice period. The party that fails to honour the notice obligation must compensate the other with wages equivalent to the unserved portion. Article 35 of the same law clarifies that notice given during an employee's leave does not begin until the day after the employee's scheduled return.
Employers must provide one unpaid working day per week during the notice period if the employer initiated the termination. This provision does not apply to employee-initiated resignations.
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Step-by-Step Work Permit Cancellation Process
Step 1 — Final Settlement of Employee Entitlements
The employer must settle all financial obligations before filing the cancellation request. Article 53 of the UAE Labour Law requires payment of outstanding wages, accrued leave balance, and end-of-service gratuity within 14 days of the contract termination date.
The employer must prepare an official statement confirming that the worker's rights, dues, and entitlements have been fully satisfied. MOHRE requires this statement as a prerequisite for processing the cancellation.
Step 2 — MOHRE Work Permit and Labour Contract Cancellation
The employer files the cancellation application through one of three channels: the MOHRE website, the MOHRE smart application, or an authorised Tasheel services centre.
EGSH processes work permit cancellations as an authorised Tasheel services centre connected to the MOHRE system.
The application requires the following:
- Work permit details and establishment card number
- Official statement confirming settlement of all employee entitlements
- Employee's signature confirming agreement to cancellation and receipt of all labour dues
- Payment of any outstanding fines for late issuance or non-renewal of permits
MOHRE exempts the employee signature requirement in specific circumstances: when the employee is outside the country, deceased, diagnosed with a contagious disease, or has been administratively removed from the ICP system.
The service is free of charge through MOHRE's website and smart application. Tasheel service centres may apply a commission capped at AED 72. MOHRE processes the application within two working days.
Step 3 — Residence Visa Cancellation Through GDRFA or ICP
After MOHRE approves the work permit cancellation, the employer must apply separately for residence visa cancellation. For Dubai-issued visas, the application goes through the GDRFA Dubai smart application, the GDRFA website, or an authorised Amer centre. EGSH operates as an authorised Amer centre licensed by GDRFA Dubai and processes residence visa cancellations at the same location. For visas issued in other emirates, the sponsor uses ICP Smart Services.
The residence visa cancellation fee for Dubai-issued visas is AED 190 for in-country cancellation. ICP-processed cancellations carry a base fee of AED 100, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham, totalling AED 120. Service centre charges apply separately.
Once both the work permit and residence visa are cancelled, the Emirates ID is automatically deactivated.
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Grace Period After Work Permit Cancellation
After the residence visa is officially cancelled, the UAE grants a grace period during which the individual may remain in the country. The standard grace period for employment visa holders ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa type and skill classification.
Certain categories receive an extended grace period of up to 180 days. These include Golden Visa holders, Green Visa holders, widows or divorcees of foreign residents, students who have completed their studies, and individuals who lost their employment.
The grace period starts from the date the visa cancellation is processed in the immigration system, not from the last working day. For mainland employees, the grace period begins from the date of the labour card cancellation. For free zone employees, it begins from the residence permit cancellation date.
During the grace period, the individual may apply for a new residence visa, change visa status, or exit the country. Working without a valid residence visa during the grace period is illegal.
Overstaying beyond the grace period incurs a daily fine of AED 50. An exit permit fee of AED 250 to AED 300 applies for overstayers leaving the country.
Employer Obligations and Penalties for Delayed Cancellation
UAE labour law places the full cost and administrative burden of work permit cancellation on the employer. Under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, the employer is responsible for all visa-related costs, including cancellation fees.
Employers must initiate the cancellation process promptly after employment ends. Failure to cancel the work permit within 30 days of termination may result in fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000. Repeated non-compliance may lead to the establishment being blocklisted from future sponsorship activities.
If an employer refuses to cancel the work permit, the employee may file a complaint with MOHRE. The Ministry will attempt to resolve the matter through mediation. If no settlement is reached, MOHRE can refer the case to the labour court. Under the 2024 amendments to the Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2024), MOHRE can now issue enforceable decisions for claims up to AED 50,000 and may order the employer to continue paying wages for up to two months during the dispute resolution period.
Changing Jobs After Work Permit Cancellation
An employee whose work permit has been cancelled may transition to a new employer without leaving the UAE. The new employer applies for a fresh work permit through MOHRE during the employee's grace period. Employees transitioning between employers may need to complete a visa status change before the new residence visa is stamped. The previous employer must have fully completed the cancellation process before a new permit can be issued.
Employees who resign after completing the probation period and serve the contractual notice period face no employment ban. A labour ban may apply if the employee resigns during probation without fulfilling the required notice and the resignation does not fall under a lawful exception.
A jobseeker visa is available for individuals who wish to extend their stay. This visa allows a stay of 60, 90, or 120 days while searching for new employment. Eligibility requires a recognised university degree and a financial guarantee.
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Filing a Complaint If the Employer Delays Cancellation
MOHRE provides formal channels for employees to file complaints if the employer fails to initiate or complete the work permit cancellation. The employee may submit a complaint through the MOHRE website, the MOHRE smart application, or by calling the MOHRE contact centre at 600 590 000.
MOHRE will notify the employer and attempt mediation. If the employer does not respond within five working days, MOHRE may proceed to cancel the work permit without employer consent. If the dispute involves unpaid wages or end-of-service benefits, the claim is handled under the labour dispute resolution process.
The Role of EGSH in Work Permit Cancellation
EGSH operates as an authorised Tasheel services centre and processes work permit cancellations, labour contract amendments, and related employment transactions directly through the MOHRE system at standard government fees. Employers may submit the cancellation application, pay any outstanding fines, and obtain the MOHRE cancellation confirmation through EGSH. The centre also operates as an authorised Amer centre licensed by GDRFA Dubai, enabling residence visa cancellation to be processed at the same location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employee cancel their own work permit in the UAE?
No. Under standard MOHRE procedures, only the employer can initiate work permit cancellation. The employee may request direct cancellation only if the establishment is not registered with MOHRE or if the Ministry cannot reach the employer within five working days of a filed complaint.
How long does work permit cancellation take?
MOHRE processes the work permit cancellation within two working days of receiving a complete application. The subsequent residence visa cancellation through GDRFA or ICP is processed within 48 hours. The combined process takes approximately three to five working days.
Is there a fee for work permit cancellation through MOHRE?
The work permit cancellation service is free of charge through MOHRE's website and smart application. Tasheel service centres may charge a commission capped at AED 72. Residence visa cancellation through GDRFA Dubai costs AED 190 for in-country processing.
What is the grace period after work permit cancellation?
The standard grace period for employment visa holders ranges from 30 to 90 days. Golden Visa and Green Visa holders receive up to 180 days. The exact duration is recorded on the cancellation form and can be verified through the ICP Smart Services portal.
Does an employee lose gratuity if they resign?
No. Under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, the law does not reduce gratuity for voluntary resignations. Any expatriate employee who completes at least one year of continuous service receives the full statutory gratuity.
What happens if the employer does not cancel the work permit?
The employee may file a complaint with MOHRE. If the employer does not respond within five working days, MOHRE may cancel the permit without employer consent. Employers who fail to cancel within 30 days of employment termination face fines and potential restrictions on future sponsorship.
Can I change jobs without leaving the UAE?
Yes. A new employer can apply for a fresh work permit during the grace period following cancellation. The previous employer must have completed the full cancellation process before the new permit can be issued.
Explained by
Amira Ali Alhammadi
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Tasheel) Consultant
Amira Ali Alhammadi is a MOHRE (Tasheel) Consultant with 10 years of experience in commercial licensing and labour services. She handles contract issuance, amendments, and labour file management, ensuring accurate and compliant processing of company and employee transactions in line with UAE regulations.
Official Sources and References
The following government authorities regulate the work permit cancellation process in the UAE:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — Regulates private-sector employment, issues and cancels work permits, and oversees labour dispute resolution.
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — Manages residence visa issuance and cancellation for emirates outside Dubai.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai (GDRFA) — Processes residence visa cancellation for Dubai-issued visas.
- UAE Government Official Portal — Provides consolidated information on employment rights, end-of-service benefits, and work permit regulations.
- UAE Legislation Portal — Hosts the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 and its amendments.
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects UAE federal labour and immigration regulations as of the date of publication. Government fees, processing times, and procedural requirements are subject to change without notice. Final decisions on visa cancellation, grace periods, and work permit status rest with the relevant government authority. Applicants and employers are advised to verify current requirements directly with MOHRE, GDRFA, or ICP before initiating any application.
