Can I Exit UAE After My Labour Contract is Terminated but My Residency Visa is Still Valid?
Navigation of the complex visa regulations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be challenging, especially if your labour contract is terminated but your residency visa is still valid. This article aims to clarify the situation and provide guidance on whether you can exit the country under these circumstances.
Understanding the Visa and Work Permits in UAE
The UAE's visa and work permit system involves several key documents, including the labour contract and residency visa. It is important to understand that these documents are distinct and serve different purposes.
A labour contract is a legal agreement between an employee and their employer, outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including the duration of the contract. A residency visa, on the other hand, allows an individual to live and stay within the UAE and is not automatically linked to the labour contract.
When your labour contract is terminated, it does not automatically trigger the cancellation of your residency visa. This can lead to a state of limbo where you may face difficulty if you need to renew your residency visa.
Common Challenges and Solutions
If you are faced with the situation where your labour contract is cancelled but your residency visa is still valid until November 2023, you should be aware of the following challenges and solutions:
1. Visa Renewal and Payment of Fines
Once your labour contract is terminated, you will face difficulties during the process of renewing your residency visa. In particular, you will need to cancel your work permit first. If this is not done, you may be required to pay a fine for having an expired work permit. Without a valid work permit, visa renewal can become a significantly more complicated process.
2. Employment Status and Exit Procedures
It is crucial to ensure that your employment status is clear before attempting to exit the UAE. If your work permit is cancelled, you will also need to cancel your residency visa. Sometimes, your employer may not have initiated the cancellation process, which can cause unexpected complications. It is advisable to check with your employer to confirm the status of both your work permit and residency visa.
3. Medical and Financial Reasons for Delay
There are circumstances, such as a pandemic like the current situation with the coronavirus, where your employer may grant you a delayed cancellation of your residence visa for a specific period. For instance, your wife may have lost her job last year, but the company allowed her to remain on the company's visa for a grace period of three months. During this period, she could not work, and the visa was only cancelled after the grace period had ended. In such cases, it is important to understand the exact terms and conditions regarding the grace period and the obligation to transfer the residence visa sponsorship to a new employer.
Conclusion and Further Assistance
In summary, if your labour contract is terminated but your residency visa is not cancelled, you can continue to stay in the country until the visa expires. However, it is crucial to be aware that your work contract and your work permit are two separate issues. Receiving a termination letter alone does not have any effect on the labour and immigration system. Cancellation of the work permit is the key step in the cancellation process.
It is important to check the exact details of what has been terminated or cancelled. Typically, the residency visa will cancel with the work visa, giving you a 30-day grace period to find a new employment. If the cancellation is not processed due to unforeseen circumstances such as a pandemic, you should communicate with your employer to obtain the latest status on your residency cancellation.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your situation.