Abu Dhabi: The UAE government has introduced five digital guidelines for the cancellation of visas. The visa of family members are to be cancelled by the sponsor while the employee visa should be cancelled by the respective companies or employers. Individuals cannot cancel their visas on their own. To cancel an employee’s visa, the company should first apply for cancellation of his/her employment contract and labour card at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The employee too should sign on the application.

Besides, an affidavit signed by the employee stating that he/she had duly received the wages and other benefits. After this, the employer can apply to the ICP or GDRFI for visa cancellation. Meanwhile, the individuals could cancel their visa only after the visa cancellation process of the family members is completed. The visas could be cancelled online via the official website of ICP or through approved typing centres. Persons would be allowed to stay in the country only if the visa is renewed before it expires. However, individuals may be allowed to stay in the country for 1 – 6 months after visa cancellation depending upon the nature of the visa.

Meanwhile, AED 50 would be charged as a fine for each day that a person stays in the country with an expired visa. It must be noted that the Emirates ID too would be invalid as soon as the visa expires. So, the application for visa cancellation should be submitted at the ICP before it expires. Check the website for details.