Questions & Answers
How to solve the OTP issue blocking my visa change while changing jobs and get a new visa?
I need legal advice regarding the cancellation of my work permit to join a new company. Here’s a brief overview:
I have worked for a contracting company in Dubai since 2018, with my visa later transferred to Sharjah. After receiving a job offer in Dubai, I resigned, but my old employer’s attempt to cancel my work permit failed due to an OTP issue.
ICP granted permission to cancel my change-of-status visa, but when my new employer applied for my permit, they found the old one still active. I raised a labor complaint with MOHRE on 21 March 2025, but it's still under process.
My family’s grace period expired on 27 Mar 2025, so I sent them back to India. I’m now facing a daily fine of AED 50 for overstaying since my change of status was canceled on 13 Mar 2025.
Once this is resolved, I plan to bring my family back as my son’s school reopens on 07 April 2025.
I would appreciate your advice on resolving the permit cancellation and overstay fines.
You must wait for the result of the complaint. They will contact you, and after the completion of the complaint and a decision is issued, you can cancel the permit.
In case of any other inquiry, contact us by phone.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for providing a detailed account of your current situation regarding your work permit cancellation and related issues. Based on the information you've shared, please consider the following professional advice:
1. MOHRE Complaint Follow-up:
- Your labor complaint filed on 21 Mar 2025 should be nearing resolution as per MOHRE's 14-day guideline for individual labor claims.
- Action items:
a) Contact MOHRE immediately to check the status of your complaint. Use their online portal or call 800 84.
b) If unresolved, inquire about escalation to the labor court and necessary next steps.
2. Work Permit Cancellation:
- The persistence of your old work permit is the primary obstacle to your new employment.
- Recommended actions:
a) Formally request your former employer in writing to resubmit the cancellation application through the MOHRE system.
b) If they are unresponsive, inform MOHRE about this issue during your complaint follow-up.
3. Overstay Fines:
- Your accruing daily fine of AED 50 since 13 Mar 2025 needs urgent attention.
- Steps to take:
a) Once the work permit issue is resolved, immediately initiate your new residence visa application.
b) Prepare a formal request to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai for a waiver or reduction of fines, clearly explaining the circumstances.
4. New Employment Coordination:
- Ensure open communication with your new employer about the current situation.
- Request their readiness to proceed with your visa application as soon as the old permit is canceled.
5. Family Visa Reinstatement:
- Plan to apply for your family's visas immediately upon receiving your new residence visa.
- Consider utilizing fast-track services, if available, to expedite the process, given your son's imminent school start date.
6. Legal Consultation:
- If the situation remains unresolved within the next 3-5 business days, it is advisable to seek counsel from a legal professional specializing in UAE labor law.
Please ensure you maintain a comprehensive file of all relevant documentation, including all correspondence with your former employer, MOHRE complaints, and any official decisions or responses. This documentation will be crucial for any potential legal proceedings.
Should you require any further clarification or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
ABDUL WAHIED
Dear Inquirer,
Your situation involves multiple legal and administrative challenges, including work permit cancellation, overstay fines, and family sponsorship. Since your labor complaint with MOHRE is still in process, your next steps should focus on:
Work Permit Cancellation: Follow up with MOHRE to expedite the resolution. If your old employer is delaying the process, legal intervention may be necessary.
Overstay Fines: You may request a fine waiver or reduction through ICP based on your pending labor dispute.
New Work Permit: Ensure your new employer coordinates with MOHRE and ICP to process your application once the old permit is canceled.
Family Sponsorship: Once your status is regularized, you can bring your family back without further complications.
For personalized legal support and expedited resolution, book a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy or authorize us to handle your case professionally.
Best regards.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your inquiry. Based on the details you provided, here are the next steps:
1. Work Permit Cancellation
Since the cancellation of your old work permit was delayed due to an OTP issue, and your new employer’s application encountered difficulties, I recommend following up with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to expedite the resolution.
Once MOHRE processes your complaint, request a written confirmation of the cancellation to allow your new employer to proceed with the new permit application.
2. Overstay Fines
Given the overstay fine of AED 50 per day due to your family’s expired grace period, I suggest contacting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant immigration authority to request a reduction or waiver, considering the delays in processing your permit cancellation.
3. Family Visa
Once the work permit issue is resolved and the overstay fines are cleared, you can proceed with your family’s residency visa application. I recommend resolving these issues promptly to ensure your family’s return before the school reopens on 7 April 2025.
Please let me know if you need further assistance or clarification on any of these points.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Dear questioner
Either your previous employer need to cancel the visa or MOHRE need to assist for the cancellation, because your previous employer has only the authority to cancel as he is the sponsor.
If you need our assistance kindly share your whatsapp number.
