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UAE visa cancellation fee – How much does it cost?

UAE visa cancellation

UAE Visa Cancellation Fee: How Much Does It Cost?

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Understanding UAE Visa Types
  • Reasons for Visa Cancellation
  • UAE Visa Cancellation Process
  • Visa Cancellation Fees Breakdown
  • Factors Affecting Visa Cancellation Costs
  • How to Minimize Visa Cancellation Expenses
  • Consequences of Not Cancelling a Visa
  • Special Considerations for Different Emirates
  • Recent Changes in UAE Visa Policies
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a global hub for business, tourism, and expatriate living. With its thriving economy and diverse opportunities, many people find themselves navigating the complex world of UAE visas. However, circumstances change, and sometimes visa holders need to cancel their permits. This process involves various fees and procedures that can be confusing for many. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of UAE visa cancellation fees, helping you understand the costs involved and how to navigate the process efficiently.

Understanding UAE Visa Types

Before delving into cancellation fees, it’s crucial to understand the different types of visas available in the UAE. Each visa type may have specific cancellation procedures and associated costs.

Tourist Visas

Tourist visas are short-term permits allowing visitors to stay in the UAE for tourism purposes. These can range from 30-day to 90-day visas and are typically easier to cancel compared to long-term visas.

Employment Visas

Employment visas are issued to individuals working in the UAE. These are usually sponsored by employers and require a more formal cancellation process, often involving both the employer and employee.

Student Visas

Issued to international students studying in UAE educational institutions, student visas have their own set of cancellation procedures, often involving the educational institution.

Investor and Partner Visas

These visas are for individuals who have invested in or partnered with UAE businesses. Cancellation of these visas can be more complex due to the financial implications involved.

Reasons for Visa Cancellation

Understanding why visas are cancelled can provide context to the fees involved. Common reasons include:

  • End of employment contract
  • Completion of studies
  • Change in personal circumstances
  • Relocation to another country
  • Violation of visa terms
  • Expiration of visa validity

UAE Visa Cancellation Process

The visa cancellation process in the UAE typically involves several steps:

  1. Initiation of cancellation by sponsor or visa holder
  2. Submission of required documents
  3. Payment of cancellation fees
  4. Cancellation of labor card (for employment visas)
  5. Cancellation of Emirates ID
  6. Final visa cancellation and stamp in passport

Each step may incur specific fees, contributing to the overall cost of visa cancellation.

Visa Cancellation Fees Breakdown

The cost of cancelling a UAE visa can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a general breakdown of the fees involved:

Basic Cancellation Fee

The basic cancellation fee for most visas ranges from AED 100 to AED 500. This fee is paid to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Labor Card Cancellation

For employment visas, cancelling the labor card can cost between AED 100 to AED 300, depending on the emirate and the type of company.

Emirates ID Cancellation

Cancelling the Emirates ID typically costs around AED 40.

Medical Insurance Cancellation

If medical insurance was provided as part of the visa, there might be a cancellation fee ranging from AED 50 to AED 200.

Typing and Processing Fees

Additional fees for typing and processing the cancellation application can range from AED 70 to AED 150.

Factors Affecting Visa Cancellation Costs

Several factors can influence the total cost of cancelling a UAE visa:

Visa Type

Different visa types have varying cancellation fees. For instance, cancelling a tourist visa is generally less expensive than cancelling an employment visa.

Duration of Stay

The length of time a person has stayed in the UAE can affect the cancellation cost. Overstaying a visa can lead to hefty fines, which are added to the cancellation fees.

Emirate of Issue

Cancellation fees can vary slightly between different emirates. For example, fees in Dubai might differ from those in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Reason for Cancellation

The reason for cancellation can impact the cost. For instance, cancelling a visa due to contract termination might have different fees compared to cancellation due to visa expiration.

Sponsorship Type

The type of sponsor (government, free zone, or private sector) can influence the cancellation process and associated costs.

How to Minimize Visa Cancellation Expenses

While visa cancellation fees are unavoidable, there are ways to minimize expenses:

  • Plan ahead and initiate the cancellation process early to avoid overstay fines
  • Ensure all necessary documents are in order to prevent delays and additional processing fees
  • Consider using authorized typing centers for document preparation to avoid errors and reprocessing costs
  • Check if your employer covers any cancellation fees as part of your contract
  • Be aware of any ongoing promotions or fee waivers offered by immigration authorities

Consequences of Not Cancelling a Visa

Failing to cancel a UAE visa properly can lead to serious consequences:

  • Accumulation of overstay fines, which can be substantial
  • Difficulty in obtaining future visas for the UAE
  • Potential legal issues and travel bans
  • Complications for employers who may face penalties for not cancelling employee visas

Special Considerations for Different Emirates

While the UAE has a federal system, each emirate may have slight variations in visa cancellation procedures and fees:

Dubai

Dubai often has the most streamlined process, with many services available online through the GDRFA Dubai app and website.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi may require additional steps for visa cancellation, especially for employment visas issued by Abu Dhabi-based companies.

Other Emirates

Smaller emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah might have more traditional processes requiring in-person visits to immigration offices.

Recent Changes in UAE Visa Policies

The UAE regularly updates its visa policies, which can affect cancellation procedures and fees:

  • Introduction of long-term visas like the Golden Visa, which have different cancellation processes
  • Amendments to grace periods after visa cancellation, allowing more time for individuals to exit the country or change status
  • Implementation of digital services for visa-related processes, including cancellations
  • Periodic fee revisions and occasional amnesty programs that may waive certain cancellation fees

Conclusion

Understanding UAE visa cancellation fees is crucial for anyone living in or planning to leave the Emirates. While the process can seem daunting, being well-informed about the costs and procedures can significantly ease the transition. Remember that fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dirhams, depending on various factors such as visa type, duration of stay, and specific circumstances.

It’s always advisable to start the cancellation process as early as possible and seek guidance from official sources or licensed immigration consultants. By doing so, you can ensure compliance with UAE laws, avoid unnecessary fines, and maintain a good standing for future visits or residency in the country.

As the UAE continues to evolve its visa policies, staying updated with the latest regulations and fee structures is essential. Whether you’re an expat concluding your stay, an employer managing staff transitions, or a visitor ending your trip, proper visa cancellation is a critical step in your UAE journey.

FAQs

1. Can I cancel my UAE visa while outside the country?

Yes, it is possible to cancel your UAE visa while outside the country, but the process may be more complex. You’ll need to coordinate with your sponsor or a legal representative in the UAE. Additional fees may apply for this service, and not all visa types are eligible for cancellation from abroad.

2. How long do I have to leave the UAE after my visa is cancelled?

After visa cancellation, you typically have a grace period of 30 days to either leave the UAE or obtain a new visa. However, this period can vary depending on the type of visa and specific circumstances. It’s crucial to confirm the exact duration with the immigration authorities at the time of cancellation.

3. Are there any circumstances where visa cancellation fees are waived?

In some cases, visa cancellation fees may be waived or reduced. This can occur during amnesty periods announced by the UAE government, in cases of company bankruptcy, or for humanitarian reasons. However, these are exceptional circumstances, and standard fees usually apply.

4. What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?

If your employer refuses to cancel your visa, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). They can mediate the situation and, if necessary, initiate the cancellation process. However, this should be a last resort, as it can be a lengthy and potentially costly process.

5. Can I get a refund on my visa fees if I cancel my visa early?

Generally, visa fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel your visa before its expiry date. The fees paid are for the processing of the visa, not for the duration of stay. However, in some exceptional cases, such as visa rejection or cancellation by authorities, a partial refund might be possible. It’s best to check with the issuing authority for specific cases.

UAE visa cancellation