What happens to my UAE residence visa after my employment is terminated?

When your private-sector employment ends in the UAE, your employer cancels your work permit and the linked residence visa as part of the exit process. After cancellation, the immigration authorities (the ICP federally, or the relevant emirate's residency directorate such as GDRFA in Dubai) typically allow a grace period during which you can remain in the country to either find a new sponsor and transfer your status or arrange to leave. The exact length of the grace period and any conditions are set by the immigration authorities and can change, so confirm the current period with ICP or your emirate's residency directorate rather than relying on older figures. Your labour entitlements — final settlement, gratuity and any notice pay — are separate from the visa process and remain due regardless of the grace period. Make sure your employer completes the cancellation correctly, as an uncancelled permit can complicate a new job. If your employer delays cancellation or your settlement, you can raise the labour side with MOHRE and compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI for advice on your specific exit.