Cancellation of a UAE national's work card
Cancels the work card of a UAE national employee 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 national's passport (GCC citizen) or Emirates ID
copyEstablishment statement that all the worker's rights and dues have been paid
copy
Conditions, time and validity
- The establishment's authorised signatory must be able to approve the request electronically: since February 2026 MOHRE uses the free Electronic Authorisation service in its app instead of the electronic signature card (MOHRE news, 9 February 2026).
- The national signs the cancellation request; the older MOHRE card also required a signed 'final interview' form before a national's cancellation.
- The establishment confirms in writing that the worker has received all rights and dues.
- Processing time
- About 2 working days (MOHRE).
- 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
- Agree the end date with the national, settle dues and get the national's signature on the cancellation form.
- 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
- Cancelling a national's permit also affects the company's Emiratisation count and the national's pension registration; check both before choosing the date.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- The worker has not signed, or disputes that the dues were paid.
- The establishment's authorised signatory has not approved the request (Electronic Authorisation in the MOHRE app).
Questions and answers
Can the company cancel a national's work card without the national signing?
Normally no: MOHRE expects the national's signature on the request. If there is a dispute, MOHRE handles it as a labour complaint; our staff confirm the current rule.
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 (archived card, 2021) - Cancel work contract (citizen/GCC)
- MOHRE - UAE Nationals/GCC Citizens Work Permit
- MOHRE - إلغاء تصريح وعقد العمل (Arabic card)
- 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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Settles fines recorded against your establishment with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation through Tasheel.
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