Labour card cancellation in the UAE is initiated by the employer through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) online portal or smart app. The process requires submission of specific documents and is approved within 1 to 3 working days. Employees cannot file the cancellation request themselves — only the employer holds that authority under UAE mainland labour law.
Do This Next
- Ask your employer to log in to the MoHRE portal and submit the cancellation request
- Prepare your documents: passport copy, Emirates ID, and termination or resignation letter
- Keep the cancellation receipt — you need the labour cancellation number to start a new job
Table of Contents
Who Can Cancel a Labour Card in the UAE
Only the employer can legally initiate a labour card cancellation through MoHRE.
The labour card — formally known as a work permit — is a mandatory employment document for UAE mainland employees, recording the worker’s full name, nationality, occupation, and employer details. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the sole authority responsible for issuing and cancelling labour cards under mainland employment contracts.
Employees cannot submit a cancellation request to MoHRE directly. If an employer refuses or delays the process, the employee has the right to file a formal complaint with MoHRE, which will intervene.
Free zone employees — including those working under DIFC, JAFZA, or DMCC — follow procedures specific to their respective free zone authority. MoHRE’s online cancellation process applies to mainland contracts only.
How to Cancel a Labour Card Online via MoHRE
The employer completes the following steps through the MoHRE portal or smart app.
- Log in at mohre.gov.ae or open the MoHRE smart app
- Go to “Work Permits” and select “Cancel Work Permit”
- Upload all required documents
- Submit the employee’s signed acknowledgement confirming all dues are cleared
- Receive the official cancellation receipt electronically after MoHRE approves
The labour cancellation number is the unique reference code on the receipt issued after approval. It confirms the work permit is officially terminated and is required when applying for a new work permit with a different employer.
For broader guidance on work rights and employment processes, see the UAE work and labour guide.
Documents Required for Labour Card Cancellation
| Document | Who Provides It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | Employee | Clear scan of photo page |
| Emirates ID | Employee | Both sides |
| Original work permit or labour card | Employee | Or official copy if original is unavailable |
| Typed cancellation form | Employer | Must use MoHRE official template |
| Termination or resignation letter | Employer or Employee | Signed by both parties |
| Company trade licence copy | Employer | Must be current and valid |
The labour cancellation paper — the formal MoHRE cancellation form — must be typed using official MoHRE-approved templates. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
Pro Tip: If the original work permit has been misplaced, the employer must request a replacement copy from MoHRE before submitting the cancellation application. Submitting without a valid copy of the original document will delay processing.
Cancellation Timeline
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Application submitted | Same day |
| MoHRE review and processing | 1–3 working days |
| Cancellation receipt issued | Immediately after approval |
As of 2026, MoHRE processes most standard cancellations within one working day for complete applications submitted online.
MoHRE Visa Cancellation — What Happens After
Labour card cancellation and residence visa cancellation are two distinct legal actions handled by two different authorities.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) manages residence visa cancellation, which proceeds after MoHRE completes the labour card cancellation. In practice, employers usually process both steps together through approved service channels.
Labour card cancellation must be completed before the GDRFA residence visa cancellation can proceed in standard mainland employment cases.
After the visa is cancelled, the employee enters a 30-day grace period to either secure a new residence visa or exit the UAE. Overstaying this period may result in fines charged per day of overstay. The former employer is also legally required to pay a final settlement — including any unpaid salary and end-of-service gratuity — after the visa is cancelled.
To calculate what end-of-service gratuity the employee is entitled to, use the UAE end-of-service gratuity calculator.
If the Employer Refuses to Cancel the Labour Card
An employer who refuses or delays labour card cancellation is in breach of UAE labour law.
The employee can file a formal complaint through the MoHRE smart app, portal, or helpline. MoHRE will contact the employer and can compel the cancellation, with penalties applied to the company for non-compliance.
Starting a new job without completing the previous labour card cancellation is not permitted. Attempting to do so may result in rejection of the new work permit application or a labour ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel my labour card online in the UAE?
The employer logs into the MoHRE portal at mohre.gov.ae or the MoHRE smart app, selects “Cancel Work Permit” under the Work Permits section, uploads the required documents, and submits the employee’s signed clearance acknowledgement. MoHRE processes the application within 1 to 3 working days and issues the cancellation receipt electronically.
Can an employee cancel their labour card without the employer?
No. Only the employer can legally request labour card cancellation through MoHRE. If the employer refuses, the employee can file a complaint with MoHRE directly. MoHRE will intervene and can compel the employer to complete the cancellation under UAE labour law.
What is the labour cancellation number?
The labour cancellation number is the unique reference code printed on the official cancellation receipt issued by MoHRE after the work permit is terminated. This number confirms the cancellation is complete and is required when applying for a new work permit with a different employer or when checking cancellation status online through the MoHRE portal.
Does cancelling the labour card automatically cancel the residence visa?
No. These are two separate processes handled by different authorities. MoHRE cancels the labour card; the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) handles the residence visa cancellation. Both steps are usually processed together by the employer but must be completed independently with each authority.
What happens to my salary and benefits after the labour card is cancelled?
After the visa is cancelled, the employer is legally required to pay the final settlement. This includes any unpaid salary, accrued annual leave, and end-of-service gratuity calculated under the UAE Labour Law. Delays in payment can be reported to MoHRE through the complaint portal.
Last verified: May 2026
Reviewed by: UAEwow Content Team
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
