The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the best countries for foreign workers. Millions of people come here for jobs and business every year. But sometimes, situations change — you may need to cancel your UAE work visa. Many workers worry about what to do if their company refuses to cancel their visa or delays the process. Don’t worry — this guide will explain how to cancel your UAE visa from MOHRE without company involvement.
Understanding MOHRE and Visa Cancellation in UAE
MOHRE stands for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It manages all private sector employment matters — including labour contracts, work permits, and company-related visas. When you are employed, your company is your visa sponsor. So normally, only your employer can cancel your visa.
However, if your company is not cooperating, closed permanently, or you are facing problems like absconding reports or unpaid salaries, you still have options to cancel your visa legally through MOHRE or Immigration (GDRFA).
When You Can Cancel Visa Without Employer
- Your company has shut down or stopped operations.
- You have a labour complaint and MOHRE gives you permission to cancel the visa.
- Your employer has not paid your salary for more than 2 months.
- Your employer is missing or not responding.
- You have completed your contract and employer refuses to cooperate.
In these cases, MOHRE allows you to take action directly. You can visit the MOHRE service center or use online options to request cancellation.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Your Visa from MOHRE Without Company
Step 1: Gather Important Documents
- Your Emirates ID
- Passport copy (with visa page)
- Your labour card or work permit number
- Any employment contract or MOHRE complaint number (if filed)
Keep all your documents ready before visiting or contacting MOHRE.
Step 2: Contact MOHRE Helpline or Visit a Centre
You can call the MOHRE helpline at 800-60 (toll-free number) from anywhere in the UAE. Explain your situation — that your company is not cancelling your visa or has shut down. MOHRE officers will check your record and advise what to do next.
You can also visit any MOHRE Customer Happiness Centre or Tasheel Centre. These centres can file your complaint, start the cancellation process, or schedule a meeting with your employer (if needed).
Step 3: File a Labour Complaint (If Employer Not Cooperating)
If your employer refuses to cancel your visa or does not respond, you can file a labour complaint with MOHRE. You can do it through:
- MOHRE official website
- MOHRE smart app (available on iOS & Android)
- Any MOHRE or Tasheel Centre
Once your complaint is registered, MOHRE will contact your company. If the company doesn’t respond, MOHRE can terminate your work permit and allow visa cancellation through Immigration.
Step 4: Visa Cancellation Through GDRFA (Immigration Department)
After MOHRE closes your labour file or cancels your work permit, you can visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) to cancel your visa.
You will need:
- Your passport
- MOHRE or labour complaint closure letter
- Emirates ID (if still valid)
GDRFA will review your case and process the cancellation. Usually, they cancel the visa within a few days if all documents are valid.
Step 5: Get a Clearance Letter
After successful cancellation, MOHRE or GDRFA will issue a clearance letter or visa cancellation proof. Keep this document safely — it shows your visa was officially cancelled and you have no legal issues in the UAE.
Online Method to Cancel Visa from MOHRE
You can also use the online method if your company is inactive or unresponsive.
Steps:
- Go to the MOHRE website.
- Login using your UAE Pass or labour card number.
- Go to “Cancel Work Permit” section.
- Fill in the reason for cancellation and attach your complaint documents (if any).
- Submit the form and wait for MOHRE’s approval.
After MOHRE approves, they will send you a confirmation email or SMS. Then you can visit GDRFA to complete the final visa cancellation step.
Important Notes
- Always make sure there are no pending fines or legal cases under your name.
- If your employer has reported you as absconding, MOHRE can still help remove the report if you have valid proof of complaint.
- Never use fake or paid agents for visa cancellation. Always go through official channels (MOHRE or GDRFA).
MOHRE Helpline and Contact Details
- 📞 Helpline: 800-60
- 🌐 www.mohre.gov.ae
- 📱 MOHRE Smart App: Available on Android & iOS
- 🏢 Visit any MOHRE Customer Happiness Centre or Tasheel Centre
FAQs About Visa Cancellation from MOHRE Without Company
1. Can I cancel my visa if my company is closed?
Yes. If the company is closed or not active, MOHRE can cancel your work permit and GDRFA can cancel your visa directly after verification.
2. How long does it take to cancel a visa through MOHRE?
Usually, it takes 3 to 10 working days depending on your case and complaint type.
3. Can I stay in UAE after my visa is cancelled?
Yes. You get a grace period of 30 days after cancellation to find a new job or exit the country.
4. What if my employer refuses to answer MOHRE calls?
MOHRE can proceed with action after giving the company official notice. They can cancel your work permit even if the employer doesn’t respond.
5. Do I need to pay any fee for cancellation?
Normally, the company pays cancellation fees. But if you are doing it yourself after a complaint, MOHRE or GDRFA may charge a small fee (around AED 100–200).
6. Can I cancel a visa without an Emirates ID?
Yes, if your Emirates ID is expired or collected by the company, you can still cancel your visa with your passport and MOHRE complaint documents.
Conclusion
Cancelling a UAE visa without your company may sound difficult, but the process is simple if you follow legal steps. MOHRE and GDRFA are both available to help workers facing employer issues. Always keep your documents ready, file a complaint if needed, and communicate directly through official UAE government channels.
If you need help, contact MOHRE at 800-60 or visit www.mohre.gov.ae for more guidance. This ensures your visa cancellation is legal and safe — without stress or middlemen.
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