Before you cancel, be sure all your legal dues are settled—and here is what to do if they aren’t.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has outlined the key procedures for cancelling a work permit, stressing that all requirements and preconditions must be met before formal execution. These include verifying a work permit cancellation request, settling all employer dues and outstanding allowances, and ensuring the employee has signed a declaration acknowledging receipt of all entitlements.
The Ministry reiterated that conditions and procedures for cancelling employment contracts, as well as work permits, are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations covering the protection of both employer and employee rights.
The service is generally completed in one working day once all documents have been submitted. Government fees are Dh50 through the Ministry’s website and smart application, while business center charges vary from shop to shop but cannot exceed Dh72 (not including tax).
How to Cancel a Work Permit and Employment Contract
According to MOHRE procedures, cancelling a work permit and employment contract in private sector establishments is subject to four main conditions:
| Condition / Requirement | Description & Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Settlement of Fines | Settlement of all fines owed by the establishment, if any, including those related to delayed issuance or renewal of work permits assigned to named workers. |
| 2. Settlement of Dues | Employer declaration confirming payment of all statutory employee entitlements, including outstanding wages, leave encashment, end-of-service gratuity, and repatriation costs. |
| 3. Employee Signature | Employee approval of the cancellation through signing the cancellation form and acknowledging receipt of all entitlements. |
| 4. Document Submission | Submission of all required documents through approved service channels (e.g., MOHRE website, smart app, or business centers). |
4-Step Application Process
| Step Number | Action Required | Channel / Method |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Log in and initiate the cancellation application | MOHRE e-Services / Smart App |
| Step 2 | Submit the work permit cancellation application with required attachments | Online portal or Business Center |
| Step 3 | MOHRE reviews the application and verifies fulfillment of all conditions | Internal MOHRE verification |
| Step 4 | Approval is issued, the permit is officially cancelled, and confirmation is recorded | System notification / ICP link |
Exemptions & Special Circumstances
While an employee’s signature is mandatory under normal procedures, MOHRE permits cancellation without the signature in specific exceptional circumstances. These include situations where the employee is outside the UAE, when the employee is deceased or suffers a chronic disease/permanent disability, or when the employee fails to join work and actually start job duties following visa issuance.
In the private sector, the work permit must first be cancelled through MOHRE. Once completed, the cancellation must be processed with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to cancel the residency visa.