The ultimate leaving Dubai checklist
One of the hardest parts of expat life is saying good-bye to Dubai. When one decides to say farewell and move on from the city, there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure a smooth transition. We’ve created a leaving Dubai checklist to guarantee a smooth exit from the country.
Leaving Dubai Checklist
Leaving Dubai due to the end of your visa or work contract can seem like one big daunting task. Some expats decide to return home or want to seek new adventures in another country. Regardless of the reason, there is a lot to consider before you bid goodbye to Dubai. This moving out of Dubai checklist will ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the critical tasks before leaving the UAE.
Cancelling your Visa
UAE visa cancellation has to be the first thing on your moving out of Dubai checklist. As soon as you know that you will leave the country, you must inform your employer. You must cancel your visa as well as your dependents’ visas before leaving the country.
If you are working in Dubai on a sponsored visa (employer-based), it is vital to cancel your visa. In case your contract is ending or you are resigning from the job, this is a necessary step. You have to hand over your passport (temporarily) while your visa is cancelled.
Failure to do so can lead to a delay in your departure. Moreover, you could be marked as an absconder on the immigration system. Hence, when penning down the leaving Dubai checklist, keep residence visa cancellation on top of the list of priorities.
Make sure to seek for UAE visa status enquiry after you applied for the cancellation to determine whether your application has been approved. You will have 30 days to leave the country after the cancellation. Staying in the UAE after this grace period expires will lead to hefty overstaying fines.
Debt Clearing and Sorting Out Finances
Another important step in the process is debt clearing. Non-payment of debt is a criminal offence and it could lead to arrest and potentially a prison sentence. Immigration officials can stop you from boarding a plane if you have any liabilities.
You will have to repay all loans and close all active credit cards that you have before exiting the country.
Collect all your dues
Once your resignation has been accepted, you will be required to work for a statutory period. During this period you should apply for your gratuity payment (if applicable). Give yourself and the company enough time to go through the whole procedure.
Bank Account Closure in Dubai
Once you have decided to leave Dubai for an indefinite period, it would be wise to close your Dubai-based bank accounts. The procedure for Bank Account closure in Dubai is simple. You need to take your passport and Emirates ID to the branch and fill out and submit a closure form. The bank could transfer your money to another bank (outside of the UAE) or hand you cash.
Settle Utility Bills
Contact customer service departments of the utilities to request final bills for clearance. This would include phone, TV, internet, water and electricity services. Once you have cleared your bills, you need to request them to disconnect your services. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) disconnection request have to be made at their offices in person and it might require multiple visits. Meanwhile, the contract of your phone, TV and internet can be disconnected with a single visit to the customer service offices.
Ending your Tenancy Agreement
If you are moving out at the end of your contract, things will be easier. You can inform the landlord about your intentions as per the stipulated time in the contract. However, breaking a tenancy agreement is not straightforward. There are different ways you can deal with the clauses in the agreement. You might have to pay an extra month’s rent if it within the contract period. Negotiate with your landlord to find a solution that works for everyone. Make sure to oblige by all the RERA rules for tenants.
School Transfer Certificate
Collecting the school transfer certificate in Dubai should also be on a parent’s moving out of Dubai checklist. You will have to submit it when applying for admission to a new school. You will also need to contact the school authorities to know whether or not the tuition fees paid in advance will be returned if you are leaving before the end of the academic year.
Housemaid Job Transfer
People who employ housemaids have some extra responsibilities. First of all, you will have to inform them well in advance and give sufficient time to find another employer.
You can collect the Housemaid job transfer documents at any typing centre. Once all formalities are done, submit the documents to GDRFA’s Residency section. The deposit you paid initially will be returned.
Tax
It’s recommended that you seek expert advice from tax lawyers or accountants to ensure that there are no tax liabilities before you leave the country.
Shipping Companies
Depending on how much furniture you own, it might be a good idea to get quotes from different shipping companies in Dubai. You might end up saving money with shipping furniture and white goods rather than buying new stuff. Request quotes from different international moving companies to find the deal. When evaluating an offer, pay close attention to the fine print details. Moreover, learn to effectively pack things when moving.
This wraps up our leaving Dubai checklist. Besides thinking about the tasks mentioned here, it is recommended that you get a few things sorted about your pet if you have one. If you own a vehicle, consider advertising it for sale. Remember, you have to pay all outstanding traffic fines and cancel your Salik tag before exiting the country.
Planning well ahead of time is the secret to a calm and smooth relocation. If you have decided to leave Dubai on a particular date, it might be wise to start the process perhaps six months in advance. Have plenty of time so you are not flustered at the end.
By doing so, you will give yourself a chance to reflect on your time in this incredible city. This would be the time to meet up with family and friends. How about organising a dinner at your favourite fine dining restaurant in Dubai? Similarly, you can possibly redo your favourite things to do in Dubai. Who knows when you will return here next?
Keep following MyBayut to learn about life in Dubai.