Renewing or cancelling a maid visa in Dubai is a necessary step for every sponsor once the initial visa period ends or the employment arrangement changes. Understanding the correct procedure helps sponsors comply with UAE laws and avoid penalties. Both renewal and cancellation are official processes managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and it’s important to complete them carefully to ensure everything remains legal and properly documented.
1. Maid Visa Renewal Process in Dubai
A maid visa in Dubai is typically valid for one year, after which it must be renewed. The renewal process ensures that the domestic worker remains legally employed and continues to meet health, residency, and identification requirements. The steps for renewal are straightforward but must be completed before the visa’s expiry date:
Step 1: Perform a Medical Fitness Test
The maid must undergo a new medical fitness test at an authorized Dubai Health Authority (DHA) center. This test confirms that the domestic worker is medically fit to continue working in the UAE. The report is usually issued within one to two working days.
Step 2: Renew the Emirates ID
Once the medical fitness report is issued, the Emirates ID must be renewed through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). The Emirates ID is linked directly to the residence visa, and its renewal is a mandatory step.
Step 3: Apply for a Visa Renewal at GDRFA
After receiving the updated Emirates ID application, the sponsor should visit a GDRFA-authorized typing center or apply online through the official portal. The required documents typically include:
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID
- Maid’s passport and visa copy
- Recent medical fitness certificate
- Salary certificate or tenancy contract (for verification)
The application is processed within a few days, and the new visa is stamped once approved.
Step 4: Renew Health Insurance
The maid’s health insurance policy must be renewed or extended to cover the next year. This is a legal requirement under UAE domestic worker laws. Once all renewals are completed, the maid’s visa status remains active for another 12 months.
2. Maid Visa Cancellation Process in Dubai
If the maid leaves employment or the sponsor no longer requires domestic help, the visa must be formally cancelled. Cancelling the visa ensures there are no legal obligations or overstays linked to the sponsor’s name.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents
Before starting the cancellation, ensure all documents are ready. These include:
- Maid’s original passport
- Maid’s Emirates ID
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- Cancellation form (available at typing centers)
Step 2: Submit the Application at the GDRFA or Typing Center
The sponsor can visit a GDRFA service center or authorized typing office to initiate the cancellation request. The process can also be done online through the official GDRFA portal.
Step 3: Settle Pending Dues
If there are any pending salaries, end-of-service payments, or unused leave compensation, these must be settled before completing the cancellation. UAE labor laws require that all dues be cleared to ensure ethical and legal compliance.
Step 4: Return Ticket and Exit Confirmation
For maids who are leaving the UAE permanently, a one-way air ticket must be provided by the sponsor. Once the maid exits the country, the visa is automatically marked as “cancelled” in the immigration system.
Step 5: Refund of Security Deposit
After successful cancellation and exit, the sponsor can apply for the refund of the AED 2,000 deposit initially paid to the GDRFA. The refund process usually takes a few working days.
3. Important Tips for Sponsors
- Always begin renewal procedures two to three weeks before visa expiry to avoid fines.
- Keep copies of all documents (both physical and digital) for at least one year.
- Use authorized government typing centers to ensure accurate submissions.
- If the maid transfers sponsorship to another employer, ensure proper documentation is signed and submitted to GDRFA.
- Avoid overstays. Daily fines apply if cancellation or renewal is delayed beyond the grace period.
These best practices help maintain compliance and prevent complications during travel, sponsorship transfer, or future applications.
4. Duration and Processing Time
The maid visa renewal or cancellation process typically takes three to five working days, depending on documentation completeness and verification speed. Using the online GDRFA system can further reduce processing time.
Renewing or cancelling a maid visa in Dubai is an important responsibility for every sponsor. Both processes are straightforward, but must be handled according to UAE immigration and labor rules. Renewal ensures continued legal employment, while proper cancellation protects the sponsor from legal and financial liabilities. For updated information on documentation, visa typing, or procedural requirements in Dubai, you can refer to the SH Typing Center, a reliable informational source for UAE residents and professionals managing government paperwork.