How to Legally Send Your Maid Back Home: Steps to Cancel a Work Permit in the UAE

As an employer in the UAE, you may need to send your domestic worker back to their home country for various reasons, such as the completion of their contract, personal reasons, or changes in your household needs.

It is essential to follow the correct legal procedures to cancel their work permit and ensure a smooth and lawful exit from the UAE.

The UAE government has established a clear process to assist employers in this situation, ensuring that both the rights of the domestic worker and the legal requirements of the UAE are respected.

Understanding this process is crucial to avoid any legal complications and to provide a respectful and dignified departure for your domestic worker.

Understanding the Legal Framework

The cancellation of a work permit in the UAE is governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

This process is part of the broader framework designed to regulate the employment of domestic workers, ensuring their rights and welfare are protected while allowing employers to manage their household staff effectively.

The process includes several steps, from gathering necessary documentation to finalising the worker’s departure and involves both online and offline procedures.

Following these steps meticulously will not only comply with UAE laws but also support a positive and professional relationship with your domestic worker. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed with the cancellation of the work permit.

Steps to Cancel the Work Permit

1. Gather Required Documents

     *Passport of the domestic worker
     * Residence visa of the domestic worker
     * Employment contract
     * Sponsor’s Emirates ID
     * Domestic worker’s labour card (if applicable)

2. Visit a Typing Centre or Use Online Services

     * Passport of the domestic worker
     * Residence visa of the domestic worker
     * Employment contract
     * Sponsor’s Emirates ID
     * Domestic worker’s labour card (if applicable)

2. Visit a Typing Centre or Use Online Services

     * Go to an approved typing centre to fill out the cancellation form.
     * Alternatively, you can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) online portal to submit the application.

3. Submit the Application

     * Provide all the necessary documents and the completed cancellation form at the typing centre.
     * If applying online, upload scanned copies of the required documents.

4. Pay the Cancellation Fees

     * Pay the necessary fees for the cancellation process. Fees can vary, so it is advisable to check the latest information on the MoHRE website.

5. Receive the Cancellation Approval

     * Once the application is processed, you will receive an approval notification.
     * This approval is essential for the next steps, as it officially cancels the work permit and residence visa.

6. Book a Flight for the Domestic Worker

    * Arrange a flight for the domestic worker to their home country.
    * Ensure the travel date is within the grace period provided after the cancellation of the visa.

7. Complete the Exit Procedures

    * On the day of departure, accompany the domestic worker to the airport.
    * Ensure all final exit formalities are completed, including presenting the cancellation approval at immigration.

8. Settle Final Dues

    * Pay any outstanding wages or end-of-service benefits to the domestic worker.
    * Obtain a receipt or written acknowledgment from the domestic worker for the payment.

Important Considerations

    * Grace Period: After cancelling the work permit, the domestic worker usually has a 30-day grace period to exit the country.
    * End-of-Service Benefits: Make sure to calculate and pay any end-of-service benefits as per the UAE labour law.
    * Legal Compliance: Following the correct procedure ensures that both the sponsor and the domestic worker remain compliant with UAE laws.

Conclusion

Cancelling a work permit and ensuring a smooth exit for your domestic worker involves several steps that need to be carefully followed.

By adhering to the guidelines provided by the MoHRE and other official sources, you can facilitate a lawful and    respectful departure for your domestic worker. For more detailed information, always refer to the official MoHRE website or contact their customer service for assistance

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