If your UAE work visa is cancelled — whether through termination or resignation — you are legally permitted to remain in the country only for the grace period stated in your visa cancellation document. Overstaying that window triggers daily fines, so knowing your timeline matters.
Work Permit Cancellation Process Under UAE Law
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, employers must follow specific procedures before cancelling an employee's residency visa. The employer must:
- Submit a cancellation request through approved Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) channels - Complete all required documentation - Settle any outstanding fines - Confirm that the employee has received all legal entitlements
Only after the work permit is formally cancelled will the residency visa be processed for cancellation.
What Happens After Your Residency Visa Is Cancelled?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Aliens, once a residence visa is cancelled or expires you must either renew your status (if eligible) or leave the country within the legally permitted grace period.
The exact duration of the grace period varies by visa category and immigration status. Standard employment visa holders typically receive a grace period of 30 to 60 days, while highly skilled professionals at MOHRE Skill Levels 1 and 2 may be entitled to up to 180 days. The specific period is printed in the cancellation record issued by immigration authorities — always check your document.
If you remain in the UAE after the grace period ends, administrative fines are imposed for each day of overstay. As of February 2026, the UAE standardised the overstay fine at AED 50 per day, applying uniformly to cancelled residence permits and expired visas.
Legal Ways to Stay in the UAE After Visa Cancellation
If you secure new employment during your grace period, your new employer can apply for a new work permit and initiate a change of status while you remain in the country. Once the new work permit is approved, your residency visa process can begin without requiring you to exit the UAE.
If you do not secure employment within the grace period, you may explore alternative options such as applying for a visit visa or tourist visa. Contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai for the latest procedures and eligibility requirements, as rules can be updated.
Key Takeaway
After your UAE work visa is cancelled, you may remain in the country only during the official grace period. Before that period ends, you must either secure a new visa, change your residency status, or exit the UAE to avoid daily overstay fines.
Understanding your legal options early can help you transition smoothly and avoid penalties.
