When your nanny’s contract ends or she plans to leave the UAE, you need to cancel her visa the legal way. Many families in Dubai are unsure how to do this. If not done correctly, it can cause legal issues, fines, or even problems when applying for future visas.
This blog gives you a clear, step-by-step guide to cancel a nanny visa without stress or penalties.
Why Cancelling a Visa Is Important
You cannot just stop the job and forget the paperwork. The UAE government requires that all domestic worker visas be properly cancelled before the person leaves the country or transfers to a new employer.
If the visa is not cancelled:
- The nanny may face issues with immigration
- You (as the sponsor) may be fined
- You might struggle to get a new visa later
That’s why it’s important to complete the cancellation process officially and on time.
When Should You Cancel the Visa?
You must cancel the visa in the following situations:
- The nanny’s contract has ended
- Your family is leaving Dubai permanently
- The nanny wishes to return to her home country
- The nanny is transferring to a new employer in Dubai
Always plan ahead and give your nanny enough time to prepare for the cancellation and exit, or transfer.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a Nanny Visa in Dubai
Here’s a simple guide you can follow:
1. Give Notice to Your Nanny
First, inform your nanny about the cancellation. Give her a 30-day notice if possible, as this is common in contracts. This also allows her to prepare for her next step—whether she’s leaving the UAE or changing jobs.
2. Settle Final Payments
Before cancelling the visa, make sure you clear all dues, including:
Any unpaid salary
End-of-service benefits (as per UAE law)
Unused leave (if any)
Airfare (if she’s returning home)
You can request a receipt or sign-off to confirm that both sides are clear on payments.
3. Cancel the Labor Contract
Visit a Tadbeer Center or go through the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) to cancel the labor contract. Bring the following:
- Your Emirates ID and passport copy
- Nanny’s passport and visa copy
- Original labor contract
Both you and the nanny may be asked to sign a form agreeing to the cancellation.
4. Apply for Visa Cancellation
Now, you need to cancel the residency visa. This can be done through:
- An authorized typing center, or
- The GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
Required documents:
- Nanny’s passport
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- Labor cancellation confirmation
- Emirates ID of the nanny (to be returned)
Once submitted, the visa cancellation usually takes 1–3 working days.
5. Confirm Nanny’s Exit or Transfer
Once the visa is cancelled, your nanny has 30 days to either:
- Leave the UAE, or
- Transfer her visa to a new sponsor
If she overstays, she could face daily fines. So it's best to plan travel or transfers within this grace period.
If she is being hired as a live in nanny Dubai, make sure the new employer goes through the correct legal steps for visa transfer.
6. Keep Cancellation Proof
After cancellation, you’ll receive a confirmation document or stamped form. Keep this in your records. It may be needed later if you apply for another nanny visa in Dubai or face any legal checks.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are some common errors that can cause legal trouble:
Ignoring Final Payments
Not paying end-of-service benefits or airfare may lead to labor complaints.
Delaying Cancellation
Delays can result in overstays, which mean fines for both the nanny and sponsor.
Skipping Contract Cancellation
Some families cancel only the visa but forget the labor contract. Both must be cancelled.
Letting the Nanny Handle It Alone
Only the sponsor can officially cancel a visa. Never leave it to the nanny alone.
When to Seek Help
If you’re unsure about paperwork or the cancellation steps, visit a Tadbeer center for guidance. They handle everything legally and ensure nothing is missed. Many families use them for both hiring and cancellation support.
Some service centers also offer cancellation packages that include exit tickets, benefit calculations, and government paperwork.
End It Smoothly and Legally
When a nanny loses their job, it is not only a case of goodbye, but also concluding the situation in the most appropriate way. Handle the law as a respected and fair process. This will safeguard your family as well as the nanny against future problems.
Therefore, in case your nanny is leaving, do not wait. Sooner, start the cancellation process. Collect the documentation, go to the corresponding departments, and do everything correctly.
Looking to be at peace? Talk to an authorized visa center now and ensure you have a valid cancellation that is not only 100 percent legal but effortlessly hassle-free as well.
