Can I face issues with visa cancellation if my labor card is expired but my Emirates ID is still valid?

Dear questioner,

The expiration of the labor card does not exempt the employer from canceling the visa after the notice period.

If the employer does not respond, you can file a complaint with MOHRE to enforce the cancellation. You can also transfer your residence visa to a new employer, provided you have a valid job offer and work permit.

Mohamed Salah Shoeib

Legal Consultant

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out!

In your case, although your labor card appears expired in MOHRE, your Emirates ID remains valid. Generally, you should wait for the cancellation process to be completed after serving your notice period.

However, if your employer is unresponsive, this could lead to delays or complications in processing your cancellation.

To avoid potential legal issues or delays in obtaining your new employment visa, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal assistance.

Our team can guide you through the correct procedures and ensure your rights are protected.

Feel free to book a consultation through our website or contact us directly for immediate support.

Best regards,

Your situation is quite common, and it’s important to handle it correctly to avoid complications with your new employer.

Since your Emirates ID is valid but your MOHRE labor card appears expired, the company may have failed to properly register or renew it.

However, this does not automatically prevent you from canceling your visa and moving to your new employer.

Here’s what you need to consider:

- Waiting for Cancellation:

Even if your labor card is expired, your employer still needs to process your visa cancellation after your notice period.

- Employer’s Non-Response:

If your employer is not cooperating with the cancellation, you can file a complaint with MOHRE to initiate the cancellation process.

- Legal Implications:

As long as your visa is active, you are still considered legally employed. If your employer delays, you have the right to escalate the matter to MOHRE or the Freezone authority (if applicable).

To assess your case further and ensure a smooth transition to your new job, I recommend discussing this in detail.

Reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone at [------------], and I’ll guide you on the best legal course of action.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

Dear questioner,

You need to obtain visa and work permit cancellations through your employer. If the employer is not responding, you need to file a complaint with MOHRE for the cancellations.

If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

This discrepancy is a significant issue. The labor card is a fundamental document for your employment in the UAE.

Regardless of the labor card issue, you are still obligated to serve your notice period as per your employment contract.

Ideally, your employer should initiate the cancellation process after your notice period ends. If your employer is uncooperative or unresponsive, Mohre can intervene.

Explain the situation and provide them with all relevant documents (Emirates ID, employment contract, resignation letter).

If you need further clarification, you may ask us.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the labor card expiration and the cancellation process following your resignation. I understand your concerns, and I would like to provide clarity on this matter.

1. Labor Card Expiration:

While your labor card is showing as expired in the MOHRE system, this does not affect your ability to resign or complete the cancellation process.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that labor cards are renewed and kept valid. However, since you have submitted your resignation and completed your notice period, the employer must initiate the cancellation process regardless of the labor card’s status.

2. Cancellation Process:

The cancellation of your labor card and employment contract must be initiated by your employer through MOHRE. The steps typically include:

- Submission of necessary documents (e.g., passport copy, labor card, employment contract, cancellation form).

- Settlement of final dues such as unpaid salary, gratuity, and other entitlements.

- Approval from MOHRE for labor cancellation.

- Coordination with GDRFA for residence visa cancellation if applicable.

3. Employer Non-Response:

If the employer does not initiate the cancellation process or respond to your resignation:

- You may file a complaint with MOHRE to compel the employer to complete the cancellation process.

- MOHRE will intervene to ensure compliance with UAE labor laws and facilitate the resolution.

4. Notice Period:

You should complete the notice period as stipulated in your employment contract or UAE labor law. Once this is done, you are entitled to receive a cancellation paper regardless of the labor card’s expiry status.

5. Employee Rights:

As an employee, you have the right to:

- Receive all final dues before cancellation.

- Obtain a copy of the official labor cancellation approval from MOHRE.

- Transition to a new employer or exit the country without facing penalties due to expired documents (as long as the employer fulfills their legal obligations).

6. Recommendations:

To ensure a smooth transition:

- Communicate formally with your employer regarding the cancellation process.

- Keep records of all correspondence related to your resignation and notice period.

- If necessary, seek assistance from MOHRE by filing a complaint against non-compliance.

Should you require further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Yours sincerely,