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
copyEstablishment statement that all the worker's rights and dues have been paid
copyCopy 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).
- The establishment confirms in writing that the worker has received all rights and dues.
- The worker signs to agree and to confirm receipt of all dues, except a worker who is outside the country, deceased, has a contagious disease, or was cancelled administratively.
- 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
- Settle final dues (salary, leave, gratuity) and sign the cancellation form with the worker.
- 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
- Workers: sign the cancellation only after you have received your final settlement; the employer must pay within 14 days of the contract ending.
- Cancel the work permit first, then the residence visa; ask us for both in one visit so the worker's grace period starts cleanly.
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.
- The wrong cancellation type was chosen for the worker's situation, so MOHRE returns the request for other documents.
Questions and answers
Is this the same as the labour card / employment contract cancellation?
Yes, in practice: MOHRE cancels the work permit and the contract together. The type 'electronic work permit' is used for a worker whose permit is active.
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) - Canceling a work contract (canceling an electronic work permit)
- 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.

