Cancellation of a deceased worker's permit
Cancels the work permit of a deceased worker 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 request form (the worker's signature is not needed in this case)
copyDeath certificate of the worker issued by the competent UAE authority
copyEstablishment statement that all the worker's rights and dues have been paid
copy
Conditions, time and validity
- The worker's signature is not required (deceased worker).
- Fines for late issue or non-renewal of the work permit must be paid first (unused permits are excluded).
- The worker's end-of-service dues are owed to the heirs; the establishment's statement on dues is still part of the request.
- Processing time
- MOHRE: 2 working days once the request is complete.
- Validity of the result
- Final: the permit is cancelled. The residence file of a deceased person is closed with immigration separately.
- 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
- Get the official death certificate and settle the dues for the heirs.
- 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
- If the employer had a bank guarantee for the worker, it can be reclaimed after proof that the body was repatriated or buried in the UAE.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Death certificate missing or issued abroad without the UAE record.
- Unpaid fines for late issue or non-renewal of the work permit.
Questions and answers
Who receives the deceased worker's gratuity?
The heirs. Staff can explain the steps; disputes over dues go to MOHRE or the courts.
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, 2017) - Labour card cancellation (Death)
- MOHRE news (9 Aug 2022) - Ministerial Resolution No. 318 of 2022 on bank guarantees and employees' protection insurance
- 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)
Related services
Establishment fine
Settles fines recorded against your establishment with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation through Tasheel.
Injury and accident register renewal
Renews your establishment's work injury and accident register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Receiving a UAE national work permit
Receives and processes a work permit application for a UAE national employee with MOHRE.
Work permit request for a UAE or GCC national
Applies for a work permit for a UAE national or GCC citizen with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.