In a detailed advisory issued on July 11, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) set out four clear steps that employers and expatriate staff must follow to cancel a work-permit and the accompanying employment contract. The guidance, published on the MOHRE web-portal and reported by Gulf News, emphasises that the process begins online: companies log in with UAE Pass, submit the cancellation request, and upload supporting documents.
![MOHRE outlines new streamlined process for cancelling UAE work permits]()
If employers or mobile employees feel they could benefit from extra, hands-on support while working through the UAE’s digital portals, VisaHQ is a convenient one-stop option. Through its dedicated UAE page, the service provides up-to-date visa and permit guidance, tailored document checklists, and live assistance—helpful not only for new applications but also when coordinating cancellations in line with MOHRE requirements.
Crucially, employers must declare that all statutory entitlements—outstanding wages, leave encashment, end-of-service gratuity and any other contractual benefits—have been paid. Once fines (if any) are settled and documents verified, MOHRE issues electronic approval within two working days. The circular also clarifies when an employee’s signature is not required (for example, the worker is outside the country, has a contagious disease, or is deceased) and lists the limited circumstances in which MOHRE may delay or refuse cancellation—such as pending labour complaints, Wage Protection System violations or absconding reports. For global mobility managers the advisory is significant: cancelling a work permit is a prerequisite for cancelling a residency visa with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Failure to follow the new digital process can delay final-exit formalities, block re-hires, and expose firms to fines of up to AED 72 per application at typing centres—although the online service itself is free. The notice is part of a wider MOHRE service-redesign that aims to automate permit life-cycle transactions and invite public input on future enhancements. Employers have until July 30 to submit feedback through an open consultation, and mobility teams are urged to review internal check-lists to ensure compliance with the updated rules.
If employers or mobile employees feel they could benefit from extra, hands-on support while working through the UAE’s digital portals, VisaHQ is a convenient one-stop option. Through its dedicated UAE page, the service provides up-to-date visa and permit guidance, tailored document checklists, and live assistance—helpful not only for new applications but also when coordinating cancellations in line with MOHRE requirements.
Crucially, employers must declare that all statutory entitlements—outstanding wages, leave encashment, end-of-service gratuity and any other contractual benefits—have been paid. Once fines (if any) are settled and documents verified, MOHRE issues electronic approval within two working days. The circular also clarifies when an employee’s signature is not required (for example, the worker is outside the country, has a contagious disease, or is deceased) and lists the limited circumstances in which MOHRE may delay or refuse cancellation—such as pending labour complaints, Wage Protection System violations or absconding reports. For global mobility managers the advisory is significant: cancelling a work permit is a prerequisite for cancelling a residency visa with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Failure to follow the new digital process can delay final-exit formalities, block re-hires, and expose firms to fines of up to AED 72 per application at typing centres—although the online service itself is free. The notice is part of a wider MOHRE service-redesign that aims to automate permit life-cycle transactions and invite public input on future enhancements. Employers have until July 30 to submit feedback through an open consultation, and mobility teams are urged to review internal check-lists to ensure compliance with the updated rules.
