How to Do Labour Card Cancellation Online in UAE 2025
Terminating an employment contract in the UAE involves a clear legal process that both employers and employees must follow.
Whether you’re an employer managing the exit of a staff member or an employee preparing to leave a job, understanding how to properly cancel the associated work permits and labor cards is crucial.
The cancellation process, overseen by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), ensures that all obligations between the employer and employee are settled and that the legal documents tied to employment, such as the labor card, work permit, and residence visa, are officially canceled.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to initiate the labour card cancellation and handle the formalities involved, including paying any applicable cancellation fees, which generally range from AED 100 to AED 200.
On the other hand, employees have the right to ensure that all final dues, such as unpaid wages, end-of-service benefits, and leave balances, are fully received before the labor card is canceled.
In this article, I will guide you on how you can cancel your labour card in the UAE.
A labor card, also known as an employment card, is a mandatory document issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It serves as proof of your legal employment status in the UAE and is tied to your residency visa.
The labor card contains essential information, including your name, job title, employer details, and validity period.
Reasons for Labor Card Cancellation
There are several reasons you might need to cancel your labor card:
Changing Jobs: If you’ve found a new job in the UAE, you must cancel your current labor card to obtain a new one.
Leaving the UAE: If you’re planning to return to your home country or move elsewhere, canceling your labor card is necessary.
Sponsor Issues: If your sponsor is uncooperative or if you face employment-related disputes, you may need to initiate the cancellation process.
Typically, the following parties can initiate the cancellation of a labor card:
Your Employer: The primary responsibility for canceling the labor card lies with your employer. They hold the necessary documents and are legally authorized to process the cancellation.
Human Resources (HR) Department: In larger companies, the HR department manages all labor-related processes, including card cancellations.
Public Relations Officer (PRO): In some organizations, a PRO handles visa and labor card matters. If your company has a PRO, they will be the point of contact for cancellation.
Step by Step Guide for UAE Labour Card Cancellation Online
To cancel your labor card, follow these steps:
Inform Your Employer: Notify your employer or HR department of your intention to cancel your labor card. Provide them with any necessary documentation, such as resignation letters or new employment offers.
Complete the Required Forms: Your employer will need to fill out the relevant forms for cancellation. Ensure that all required information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Submit the Cancellation Request: The employer must submit the cancellation request to the MOHRE through the appropriate channels. This can often be done online via the MOHRE website or through authorized service centers.
Obtain Cancellation Approval: Once submitted, MOHRE will process the cancellation request. If everything is in order, you will receive confirmation of your labor card cancellation.
Return the Labor Card: After cancellation, you must return your labor card to your employer or HR department. Keep a copy of the cancellation receipt for your records.
If you are an employer, follow these streamlined steps to navigate the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) website effectively:
Use your username and password to log into the relevant service platform. For a faster login experience, you can utilize your UAE Pass if you are accessing the services through online or smart channels.
Scroll down on the homepage until you find the option for “Cancellation of Work Permit & Employment Contract.” Click on the “Start Service” button.
Choose the option labeled “Electronic Work Permit Cancellation.”
In the designated box, input your company code and click on the “Get Employment List” button.
Enter the “Card Number” and “Unified Number” in the respective fields.
Select the type of “E-Signature Card” you are using.
Complete the form by entering the necessary information regarding the employee whose labor card you are canceling.
Next, provide your details as the applicant in the specified fields.
Upload copies of the employee’s passport and visa to complete the application process.
Carefully review all the information you have entered. Once you are sure everything is correct, click the “Submit” button.
After submission, your application will be sent electronically to the Ministry for verification. The Ministry will assess whether all requirements and documents are complete.
If there are any missing or incomplete documents, they will notify your company to provide the necessary information.
Legal Timeframe After Cancellation
After your labor card is canceled, you must be aware of the legal timeframe:
Grace Period: Generally, you will have a grace period of 30 days to either exit the UAE or adjust your visa status if transitioning to a new employer.
Fines for Overstaying: If you do not act within this grace period, you may incur daily fines for overstaying your visa, leading to complications with future employment or residency in the UAE.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
