Dubai Maid (Domestic Worker) Visa Cancellation 2026 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Dubai & UAE)

If you employ a domestic worker (maid, nanny, housekeeper, driver, cook, etc.) in Dubai and the employment is ending, you must legally cancel the contract and residence visa. This 2026 guide explains when to cancel, the exact steps with MOHRE + GDRFA/ICP, documents, fees, fines, special cases, and best practices—so you avoid penalties or future immigration issues.

Understanding the “Maid Visa” in Dubai

The commonly used term “maid visa” refers to a domestic worker residence visa issued under a private household sponsor. Recruitment, contracts and cancellations are regulated by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) and serviced via Tadbeer/authorized domestic worker centers, while residence visas are stamped/voided through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP Smart Services (federal).

Who Can Sponsor a Domestic Worker in 2026?

• Eligibility: UAE residents (male or female) who meet income, accommodation and family status criteria can sponsor a domestic worker.

• Compliance: Recruitment must be done through licensed agencies/centers. Using unlicensed brokers risks fines, contract nullification, and legal exposure.

• Contract Type: Domestic worker contracts are generally two years, renewable.

When Should You Cancel a Maid Visa?

• Employment ends (resignation, termination, end of contract, or non-renewal).

• Sponsor is leaving the UAE or changing accommodation status.

• Worker transfers to a new sponsor (via approved process).

• Worker is outside the UAE beyond the permitted period and won’t return.

• Death of worker or sponsor (special process applies).

Required Documents Checklist (Employer & Worker)

Keep originals ready; scans may be needed for online submissions.

Employer/Sponsor:

• Passport + valid UAE residence visa

• Original Emirates ID

• Tenancy/Ejari (if requested) and recent utility bill

• Proof of salary/income (if requested)

• Employment contract (domestic worker) details/number

Worker (Maid/Nanny):

• Passport + UAE residence visa page

• Recent passport photo (white background)

• Labor card/contract details (domestic worker)

• Air ticket (if exiting)

• Clearance of advances/dues (salary, leave encashment)

Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a Maid Visa in Dubai (2026)

Step 1: Cancel the Domestic Worker Employment Contract (MOHRE/Tadbeer)

• Initiate contract/work permit cancellation through MOHRE (online/smart app) or Tadbeer/authorized domestic worker center.

• Settle all dues (salary up to last day, leave balance, overtime, end-of-service if applicable).

• Obtain the MOHRE cancellation approval/acknowledgment.

Step 2: Cancel the Residence Visa (GDRFA/ICP)

• Submit residence visa cancellation via GDRFA (Amer center in Dubai) or ICP Smart Services (other emirates).

• Upload necessary documents and pay the cancellation fee.

• You’ll receive an electronic cancellation confirmation.

Step 3: Emirates ID & Medical Insurance Closure

• During residence cancellation, Emirates ID is deactivated automatically; ensure any medical insurance policy is formally canceled/ended per the insurer’s terms.

Step 4: Exit Formalities & Ticket Responsibility

• For end-of-service or non-renewal, the employer typically bears the one-way ticket to the worker’s home country (as per contract/law).

• Accompany the worker to the airport on departure with passport and cancellation proof if required.

Step 5: Security Deposit Refund & Final Dues

• If a security deposit was placed via Tadbeer/authority, submit the refund request after cancellation and exit confirmation.

• Keep copies of all receipts/acknowledgments.

Fees, Fines & Timelines (2026)

• Residence visa cancellation (GDRFA/ICP): typically ~AED 100 (+ knowledge/innovation dirhams where applicable).

• Service/typing center charges may apply.

• Processing time: often 1–2 working days once documents are correct.

• Grace period after cancellation: depends on visa type and policy; avoid overstays.

• Overstay fines: daily fines apply; an exit permit fee may be required if overstayed.

• Ticket cost: generally employer-paid at end of service, per contract/law.

⚠️ Important: Fees and grace-period policies are updated periodically. Always verify current amounts during submission.

Special Cases (Outside UAE > 3 months, Loss of Passport, Death, Disputes)

• Worker outside UAE > 3 months: You can cancel in absentia after contract cancellation; submit passport/visa details and confirmation of absence per authority guidance.

• Lost passport: File a police report, apply for emergency travel docs via worker’s embassy, then complete cancellation/exit.

• Death of worker/sponsor: Submit official death certificate; authorities guide the special cancellation process and dues.

• Disputes: If there’s a disagreement over dues or documents, file a case through MOHRE for mediation; unresolved cases may move to court with MOHRE’s recommendations.

Cancellation vs. Transfer to a New Sponsor

If the worker has a new employer:

• Initiate a transfer via MOHRE/Tadbeer (with worker consent) instead of full cancellation.

• A hold on cancellation may be placed while transfer is processed (conditions/fees apply).

• Once approved, the new sponsor completes medical/ID and visa stamping.

Common Mistakes & Compliance Risks

• Starting GDRFA/ICP cancellation before MOHRE contract cancellation.

• Unsettled dues or unpaid leave leading to disputes.

• Not arranging the exit ticket when contract requires it.

• Using unlicensed agents (risk of fraud, penalties, rejection).

• Missing grace periods, resulting in fines and exit permit fees.

• Not collecting the security deposit refund promptly.

Why Use a Licensed Service (Tadbeer/Authorized Agent) vs. Doing It Yourself

• Licensed centers provide end-to-end handling, correct sequencing (MOHRE → GDRFA/ICP), and faster processing.

• They help with document attestation, deposit refunds, and special cases (outside country, lost passport, disputes).

• You avoid costly back-and-forth, fines, or incomplete cancellations that can block future applications.

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Conclusion & Apply Now

Cancelling a Dubai maid (domestic worker) visa in 2026 is straightforward if you follow the correct order: MOHRE/Tadbeer contract → GDRFA/ICP residence → ID/insurance → exit ticket → deposit refund. Mistakes here can lead to fines, delays, and future immigration issues.

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