UAE Visa Grace Period: Duration of Stay After Employment Visa Cancellation
Dubai: Understanding the Grace Period After Residence Visa Cancellation
Whether you’ve resigned, been terminated, or are a foreign student nearing graduation from a UAE university, knowing the grace period rules after your residence visa is canceled is essential to avoid overstaying.
The cancellation of an employment contract and work permit automatically revokes an individual’s residence visa in the UAE.
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However, expatriates are granted a grace period to either obtain a new visa or exit the country, with the duration varying based on visa type and eligibility.
UAE Residence Visa Cancellation Process
According to Sunil Ambalavelil, principal partner at Nasser Yousuf Alkhamis Lawyers (NYK Lawyers), the employer is responsible for initiating the visa cancellation process through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
The employee must sign the cancellation application as part of the procedure. Once an employment visa is canceled, individuals can apply for a new work visa within the UAE.
It is crucial to confirm with the former employer that the visa cancellation has been processed correctly. The new employer must then initiate the application for a fresh work permit and residence visa in compliance with legal requirements.
Grace Period for Residence Visa Cancellation
After a residence visa is canceled, the UAE allows a grace period during which individuals can either apply for a new visa or leave the country.
Ambalavelil highlighted the existence of a ‘jobseeker visa,’ which permits individuals to remain in the UAE for 60, 90, or 120 days while searching for employment.
Eligibility criteria include holding a degree from a recognized university and fulfilling a financial guarantee requirement.
Changing Visa Status During the Grace Period
During the grace period, individuals have several options to change their visa status:
- Secure a new job with an employer willing to sponsor a residence visa.
- Obtain sponsorship from a family member.
- Apply for a self-sponsored visa, such as the Green Visa, if eligible.
Ambalavelil noted that individuals can opt for a change of visa status without leaving the UAE. This process, known as a ‘Change of Status,’ can be facilitated through an Amer Service Centre or an authorized typing center.
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Applicants need to submit the necessary documentation and pay applicable fees, typically ranging from Dh550 to Dh650.
Understanding these processes is vital for expatriates to navigate their residency options in the UAE effectively.
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