Cancellation of a used work permit
Cancels a work permit that has already 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 and the worker
copyCopy of the entry permit stamped on entry, or the change-of-status receipt
in some casescopyOnly if: If the centre asks (listed on the older MOHRE card)Copy of the worker's passport
copy
Conditions, time and validity
- Fines for late issue or non-renewal of the work permit must be paid first (unused permits are excluded).
- Both parties sign the cancellation form.
- The older MOHRE card charged a late-issue fine when the permit was not completed within 60 days of entry.
- Processing time
- MOHRE: 2 working days once the request is complete.
- Validity of the result
- Final: the work permit is cancelled. If the worker still holds a residence visa, it is cancelled separately with immigration (GDRFA/ICP), which also sets the grace period.
- 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
- Confirm with the worker that the job will not go ahead and sign the form together.
- 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
- After this cancellation the worker must also cancel the entry permit/residence step with immigration or leave within the allowed time.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- The worker has not signed, or disputes that the dues were paid.
- Unpaid fines for late issue or non-renewal of the work permit.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a used and an unused permit?
Used: the worker already entered or changed status on the approval, so both sign. Unused: the worker never used it, so only the employer signs.
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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