Cancellation of an unused permit
Cancels a work permit that has not been used with MOHRE via Tasheel.
How it works
- 1
Documents
You
- 2
Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
- 3
Submitted at Tasheel
Runner at MOHRE
- 4
Permit issued
MOHRE
Documents required
MOHRE cancellation form signed by the employer only
copyProof the worker did not enter the country (immigration clearance)
in some casescopyOnly if: If the centre asks (listed on the older MOHRE card)
Conditions, time and validity
- Only the employer's signature is needed.
- No fines for late issue apply to unused permits.
- Processing time
- MOHRE: 2 working days once the request is complete.
- Validity of the result
- Final: the approval is cancelled; no residence step follows because the worker never used it.
- Where it is applied for
- MOHRE website and smart app, business service centres (Tasheel) and Tawseel; the centre submits it for you through Tasheel.
Steps at the authority
- Tell us the work permit/approval number and confirm the worker never used it.
- We submit the cancellation on MOHRE's system through Tasheel with the right cancellation type and attachments, and pay any fines.
- MOHRE checks the request and cancels the permit (or asks for more documents by message).
Tips that save you a trip
- Cancel unused approvals promptly; it keeps the establishment's quota and records clean.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Immigration shows the worker entered or changed status on the permit, so it counts as used.
Questions and answers
Does the worker need to sign?
No. For an unused permit MOHRE needs the employer's signature only.
Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.
Official sources
- MOHRE - Cancellation of Work Permits and Employment Contracts
- MOHRE - إلغاء تصريح وعقد العمل (Arabic card)
- MOHRE (archived card, 2021) - Cancel work permit (used or unused)
- MOHRE news, 9 February 2026: services without most documents and visits (Zero Government Bureaucracy, phase 2)
- UAE Legislations: Cabinet Resolution No. (37) of 2022 amending Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2020 on MOHRE service fees (official fee tables, in force from 1 June 2022)
Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended, including Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024) and its Executive Regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022)
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