How Many Days I Can Stay in UAE After Employment Visa Cancellation?

Table of Contents

Are you wondering how long you can legally stay in the UAE after your employment visa is cancelled? This is one of the most common concerns among expats who’ve recently lost or left their job in the Emirates. The UAE has a clearly defined grace period, but it isn’t the same for everyone, it can vary depending on the visa type, profession, or recent changes to immigration policies.

Understanding your grace period is crucial to avoiding penalties, overstaying fines, or legal complications. Whether you’re planning to find a new job, switch to a tourist visa, or exit the country, knowing your exact timeframe is essential.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including how to check your grace period, your legal options during this time, and what steps to take next for a smooth transition. Let’s explore your stay eligibility after visa cancellation in detail.

What Is the Grace Period After UAE Employment Visa Cancellation?

Once your UAE employment visa is cancelled, you are granted a grace period to legally remain in the country. For most standard employment visas, this grace period is 30 days, though some professionals may be given up to 60 days, especially those in skilled categories. In some cases, individuals holding Golden, Green, or Investor visas may be eligible for up to 180 days.

Standard Employment Visa: 30-day grace period
Skilled Categories (Levels 1 and 2): Up to 60 days
Golden/Green/Investor Visas: Up to 180 days

Your official cancellation paper will state the exact number of days you are allowed to stay. It’s important not to assume a fixed period, always refer to your documents. Overstaying even a single day after this grace period leads to daily fines.

The UAE government has streamlined this process to help residents transition smoothly between jobs, switch visa types, or prepare for exit. Knowing how much time you have empowers you to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary penalties or legal issues during your post-employment phase.

How Do You Check Your UAE Grace Period After Visa Cancellation?

Once your employment visa is cancelled, verifying the length of your grace period is essential to avoid overstay fines. There are multiple government portals where you can check the status of your visa cancellation and the grace period duration based on your location and the issuing authority.

Using ICA Smart Services Portal (All Emirates except Dubai)

The ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal is the go-to platform for most Emirates outside Dubai.

Here’s how to check:

Visit the ICA Smart Services website.
Click on Public Services, then select File Validity.
Choose either Search by File Number or Passport Information.
Enter your visa file number or passport details, including expiry date.
Provide your Emirates Unified Number (UID), available on your residence visa.
Select your nationality and date of birth in the format requested.
Complete the CAPTCHA and click Search.
You’ll see the current visa status and your remaining grace period.

Using GDRFA Portal (For Dubai-issued Visas)

If your visa was issued in Dubai, use the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portal:

Visit the official GDRFA website.
Navigate to Visa Status Enquiry.
Choose the File option and input your details such as file number, DOB, and nationality.
Clear the CAPTCHA and hit Search.
Your cancellation status and the grace period start date will appear.

Using MOHRE for Labour Card Cancellation

If your employment was processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation:

Visit the MOHRE website.
Under Enquiry Services, select Print Electronic Work Permit.
Enter your Labour Card Number and other details like transaction number and DOB.
Click Search to check if your work permit is cancelled.

These online tools make it easy to track your grace period and take action before it expires. Keep checking your status if you are close to the end of the grace period to avoid overstaying.

What Factors Influence the Grace Period Duration in the UAE?

Several variables affect the length of your grace period after your employment visa is cancelled in the UAE. The most important among these are your visa type, job classification, and residency history.

Visa Type: If you held a Golden, Green, or Investor visa, your grace period could be up to 180 days. Standard employment visas usually come with a 30-day period.
Skill Level: Workers classified under Skill Levels 1 and 2 by MOHRE (such as engineers, doctors, managers) may be granted 60 days.
Employment History: Long-term employment or clean immigration records may lead to extended grace periods.
Special Categories: Widows, divorced women, retirees, and students may qualify for up to 180 days, depending on personal circumstances.

You can find your exact allowed duration on your visa cancellation paper, which is issued once the cancellation is approved. Understanding your classification can help determine whether you are eligible for an extension or a different visa category. Always verify your duration before making travel or job change decisions.

What Are Your Options During the UAE Grace Period?

After your visa cancellation, your grace period offers a window of opportunity to make the next move. Here are the best options available to you.

Exit the Country

One of the simplest choices is to leave the UAE before the grace period ends. This allows you to avoid any fines or legal issues. If you plan to return, make sure your exit and re-entry follow immigration rules.

Check your departure date aligns with the grace period.
Pay pending dues or overstay fines at the airport, if applicable.
Book your ticket early to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Apply for a New Work Visa

If you receive a job offer during your grace period, your new employer can sponsor a new employment visa.

Your new employer must cancel your previous labour card.
The new visa application must be submitted before your grace period ends.
You will receive a new Emirates ID once your visa is approved.

Convert to a Tourist or Visit Visa

Another route is to switch to a tourist or visit visa to extend your stay legally. This is ideal if you need more time to explore opportunities or take care of personal matters.

You can apply for a 30, 60, or 90-day tourist visa from within the country.
Visit visa can be sponsored by a friend, family, or travel agency.
No need to exit the UAE for a status change.

Extend or Adjust Visa Status Without Leaving the Country

Some residents may qualify for status adjustment without exiting.

Apply for an in-country visa change at Amer Centres (Dubai) or ICP portals (other Emirates).
Pay applicable status adjustment fees.
Ensure all updates are reflected on your digital records.

Choosing the right path during your grace period can save you from unnecessary penalties and give you time to plan your future in the UAE. Act within the allowed days to avoid issues.

What Happens If You Overstay After Visa Cancellation in UAE?

Overstaying your grace period in the UAE is a serious immigration violation and can result in daily penalties and legal action. Once the grace period ends, you’re considered unlawfully present in the country.

Here’s what happens if you stay beyond the allowed time:

Fines Start Immediately: You’ll be charged AED 100 for the first day, followed by AED 25 to AED 50 per additional day, depending on your visa type and overstay duration.
Exit Permit Required: To leave the country after overstaying, you must pay an exit permit fee ranging from AED 250 to AED 300.
Legal Consequences: Continuous overstay can lead to bans, employer complaints, or even arrest at airports during exit or future re-entry.
Travel Restrictions: Your travel history may reflect overstaying, which can affect future visa approvals, especially in the GCC.

It’s always best to act before your grace period expires to avoid turning a manageable situation into a legal issue. If needed, consult with a PRO or immigration consultant to help resolve your status promptly.

How Can You Avoid Overstay Fines in the UAE?

Avoiding overstay fines is simple if you take timely action and monitor your visa status regularly. Here are some steps you can follow to stay within the law.

Track Your Cancellation Date: Your grace period starts from the day your visa cancellation is processed and approved. Refer to the official cancellation letter.
Use Official Portals: Regularly check your visa status through the ICA or GDRFA platforms. These portals reflect your remaining grace days.
Set Reminders: Mark your calendar or set mobile alerts to remind you of your last legal stay date.
Act Early: Don’t wait until the last few days. Apply for a new visa, arrange your exit, or adjust your status well in advance.
Seek Expert Advice: If unsure, contact immigration experts or the Amer Centre to clarify your options.

Preventing fines not only saves money but also ensures a clean immigration record. Overstaying, even unintentionally, can affect your chances of returning to the UAE or applying for visas in the future.

Can You Extend or Change Your Visa Status Within the Grace Period?

Yes, the UAE allows visa holders to extend or change their status without leaving the country, provided it’s done within the grace period. This flexibility helps residents manage transitions more easily.

Here’s what you can do:

In-country Status Change: Apply to change your employment visa to a tourist, visit, or dependent visa through Amer Centres or ICA Smart Services.
New Sponsorship: If you secure a new job, your employer can process a new work permit without requiring you to exit the UAE.
Visa Extension: You may be eligible to extend your stay by 30, 60, or 90 days by paying the applicable government fee.

Documents usually required include:

Passport copy
Recent photo
Cancelled visa copy
UID and file number

Keep in mind that extensions are not guaranteed for all visa types. Always consult the GDRFA or ICA based on your location and visa type. Making the switch or extension early in your grace period gives you enough buffer time to process any delays or documentation issues.

How Can You Check If Your UAE Visa Has Been Cancelled?

Knowing whether your UAE visa has been officially cancelled is important to calculate your grace period and take next steps. There are several methods to verify your cancellation status, depending on where your visa was issued.

Check Through the GDRFA Website (Dubai Residents)

If your visa was issued in Dubai:

Visit the GDRFA website.
Go to the “Visa Status” page.
Choose “File Number” and enter required details like your passport number, DOB, and nationality.
Clear the captcha and click “Search”.
Your visa status, including whether it has been cancelled, will be displayed.

Check via ICA Smart Services (Other Emirates)

For all other Emirates:

Go to the ICA Smart Services portal.
Click on “Public Services”.
Select “File Validity”.
Choose either “File Number” or “Passport Info”.
Fill in the appropriate fields (passport number, expiry, UID, DOB).
Complete CAPTCHA and submit.
You’ll see your current visa status and cancellation details.

Use MOHRE Portal for Labour Card Status

If you were working under the Ministry of Human Resources:

Visit the MOHRE website.
Navigate to “Enquiry Services”.
Select “Print Electronic Work Permit”.
Input your labour card number, transaction code, and personal details.
Click “Search” to check if your work permit is cancelled.

Offline Options

If online access is difficult, use these methods:

Call 600-522-222 to check via phone (national service).
Amer Centre (Dubai): Dial 800-5111 and provide your passport details.
Outside UAE: Contact UAE immigration at +971-4-313-9999.

Confirming your cancellation ensures that your grace period countdown is accurate. This will help you take timely action, avoid fines, and prepare for your next visa status or departure plans effectively.

What Should You Do If Your Employer Delays Visa Cancellation?

When your employer delays cancelling your visa after contract termination, it puts your legal status at risk. As a resident, you are dependent on your sponsor to complete the visa cancellation, but you do have options if they fail to act promptly.

First, communicate clearly with your employer to remind them about initiating the cancellation process. Keep all correspondence documented. The cancellation includes your labour card, Emirates ID, and residence visa through either MOHRE or GDRFA, depending on the Emirate.

If your employer continues to delay or refuses, contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). File an official complaint online or visit a service centre. Provide supporting documents such as your employment contract and Emirates ID.

Delays in cancellation can prevent you from obtaining a new visa or changing your residency status. Acting quickly helps avoid complications and ensures your grace period starts when it should. Always follow up until you receive your cancellation paper, which clearly outlines your allowed stay duration after employment ends.

Is Health Insurance Still Valid During the Grace Period?

Your health insurance coverage in the UAE typically continues during the grace period, but it depends on your employer’s policy and insurance provider terms. By law, employers are required to provide medical coverage during your employment. However, once your visa is cancelled, the continuation of this coverage may vary.

Generally, employers maintain health insurance for up to 30 days after visa cancellation. If your policy renewal date falls within this grace period, your insurance might only remain active until that renewal date, even if the grace period continues beyond it.

To avoid any unexpected medical expenses:

Check the expiration date on your health card or policy.
Contact the HR or insurance provider for clarity on your post-cancellation coverage.
Consider purchasing temporary travel insurance if staying in the UAE beyond your coverage.

Medical care in the UAE can be expensive without insurance, so it’s wise to confirm your policy details before making any assumptions. Ensuring you’re covered during your stay reduces financial and health-related stress during this transition period.

What Are the Visa Cancellation Charges in the UAE?

Cancelling an employment visa in the UAE involves official government fees that are typically paid by the employer or sponsor. These charges may vary slightly depending on the emirate and the service channel used (online portal or physical centre).

The average fee for cancelling a work visa is between AED 100 and AED 200.

This includes:

Visa Cancellation Application Fee
Labour Card Cancellation (if applicable)
Typing Centre or Service Agent Fees (if processed offline)

While the employer is responsible for these fees for the employee, if you are cancelling dependent or family visas, you may be required to cover those costs yourself. It’s essential to clarify this with your employer before initiating the cancellation.

No additional penalty is charged if the visa is cancelled before expiry and the employee exits or adjusts status within the grace period. If there’s a delay in processing or exiting, fines can accumulate rapidly.

Always request a receipt or confirmation once the cancellation is processed. This document not only confirms your legal status but also marks the beginning of your grace period.

Can You Stay Longer in the UAE After the Grace Period Ends?

Staying in the UAE after your grace period ends without updating your visa status or exiting the country is considered illegal. However, in limited circumstances, you may be able to stay longer by applying for an extension or a new visa before the grace period ends.

Here are your options if you need to stay longer:

Apply for a Visit or Tourist Visa: You may be able to convert your status within the country to a short-term visa.
Emergency Visa Extension: In rare cases (such as medical emergencies), you can request an extension through immigration services.
File an Adjustment Application: If transitioning to another visa type (employment, investor, or family), start your application before the grace period expires.

Once the grace period is over, daily fines apply, and you’ll also be required to obtain an exit permit when leaving. Fines increase over time, and failure to act can result in travel bans or absconding cases filed by your former employer.

To avoid complications, always explore your options early and consult immigration professionals if needed. Staying compliant ensures smooth future travel and residency opportunities.

Conclusion

Understanding how many days you can stay in the UAE after your employment visa is cancelled is crucial for protecting your legal status and planning your next steps. Whether you have 30, 60, or 180 days depends on your visa type, skill category, and situation.

During this grace period, you can change jobs, apply for a different visa, or exit the country peacefully. Failing to act within this timeframe leads to overstay fines, legal issues, and possible entry bans in the future.

By using official portals to check your visa and grace period status, maintaining updated records, and taking timely action, you can stay on the right side of UAE immigration law. Whether you’re planning to stay or leave, your grace period is your opportunity, use it wisely to avoid complications and ensure a smooth transition forward.