The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a land of opportunities, attracting expatriates from across the globe for work, residency and business. Whether you're planning a temporary stay or settling in for the long term, maintaining awareness of your visa status is crucial. Equally important is understanding how to cancel your visa should the need arise. In this guide, we will cover how to check your UAE visa status and explain the cancellation process in detail.
To track your visa application , you will need your application number and reference number. When you submit your visa application through any visa service provider, ensure that you request both the application number and reference number, allowing you to track the visa yourself through the relevant channels. If you applied for one of the various visa types in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah , you can track your application on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Conversely, if you applied for a visa in Dubai or through Amer centres in Dubai , you should track your application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA). Users can also enquire about the status of GDRFA services through the mobile application. The system also provides updates on any potential UAE travel restrictions related to your visa application.
If you currently hold an entry permit or residence visa in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah , you can check your visa validity on the ICP website. For any enquiries regarding visa issuance, types, and validity, you can contact ICP through their toll-free number at 600522222 or utilise the ICP feedback platform. • For those with an entry permit or residence visa in Dubai , you can check your visa validity via the GDRFA website. If you have a Dubai visa, you can reach out to Amer services on the toll-free number 800 5111 if you are living in the UAE. If you are currently outside the UAE, you can call Amer on the toll-free number +9714-313-9999.
If you hold a residence visa under the UAE visa system, sponsored by a family member or employer and decide to leave the country permanently, it is essential to cancel your residence visa officially. In most cases, only the sponsor is authorised to cancel your residence visa; you cannot process the application independently. Should a company wish to cancel an employee's employment visa, it must first submit an application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to cancel the employee’s labour contract and labour card. The employee is required to sign this application. Following this, the employer should apply to the ICP for visa cancellation. It's important to follow these steps carefully to avoid issues with UAE travel restrictions. Incomplete processes may lead to visa cancellation for reasons related to non-compliance. Additionally, the company must cancel the work permit, which involves submitting a letter signed by the employee confirming they have received all wages and end-of-service benefits to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Individuals sponsoring their spouse, children, or other dependants must ensure that the dependants’ visas are cancelled before cancelling their own.
There are two processes available for cancelling your visa: through a registered typing centre or online. Registered typing centres The sponsor may visit any typing office registered by the ICP in the respective emirate. The typing office will fill in the cancellation form on your behalf and process it online through the ICP. Online cancellation Alternatively, the sponsor can process the cancellation online through the ICP website or the ICP application. Understanding your visa status and the cancellation process is essential for anyone residing or working in the UAE. Whether you're navigating the UAE visa system for temporary or long-term stay, staying informed about visa types and procedures for cancellation can save you time and prevent potential issues. It's important to comply with travel restrictions and ensure you have the necessary information at hand. Always ensure to follow the proper channels to maintain compliance with UAE regulations. By doing so, you can navigate your experience in this vibrant country smoothly and efficiently. For assistance with your freelance visa in UAE, reach out to the experts at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) via phone at +971 72041111 or email at info@rakez.com. We're here to help you!
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