What's the difference between visa cancellation in Dubai (GDRFA) and other emirates (ICP)?

The main difference is which authority administers residency. In Dubai, residence-visa services—including cancellation and re-entry/return permits—are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai). In the other emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, residency services are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The underlying logic is similar—an employment visa's labour side is cancelled through MOHRE (mainland) or the relevant free-zone authority, and the residence side is voided through GDRFA or ICP—but the apps, websites, and some service steps differ between the two systems. Practically, you use the GDRFA Dubai channel for Dubai-issued visas and the ICP channel for visas issued elsewhere, with your passport, Emirates ID, and visa file details. Because both authorities update their procedures periodically, confirm the current steps on the correct official channel for your emirate. For cross-emirate moves or disputes, you can compare verified UAE immigration professionals on LEXAI.