The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a new visa policy requiring job applicants from 45 countries to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of their employment visa application process. This measure, overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), aims to ensure applicants have no criminal record.

Phased Rollout of the Requirement

The policy is being introduced in phases throughout 2026:

  • Phase 1 (effective June 16): Initially covered 16 countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Uganda.
  • Phase 2 (effective August 15): Adds Bangladesh, Philippines, Sudan, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and others.
  • Phase 3 (effective November 15): Includes China, Iran, South Africa, Rwanda, and Seychelles among others.

Applicants are advised to verify their status with their local typing centres or free zone authorities before applying, as some discrepancies exist in the lists circulated by different offices.

Details on the Police Clearance Certificate

The PCC must be issued by the applicant’s home country police or justice ministry and be recent—typically issued within three months prior to application. When obtained abroad, the certificate requires attestation by the UAE embassy in the issuing country and subsequently by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

This requirement applies primarily to new employment, family, and long-stay visa applications processed through ICP for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and northern emirates. While renewals generally do not require a PCC, some free zones have requested it for renewals as well.

Applicants already residing in the UAE on cancelled residence permits may obtain the certificate locally through the Ministry of Interior or Dubai Police, avoiding the overseas attestation process. Those applying through Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) should confirm specific document requirements at an Amer centre.

Background and Additional Information

The UAE had a similar policy briefly in 2018 but suspended it. The current rollout is broader and spans seven months, concluding in November 2026. The policy has been communicated mainly through internal advisories, leading to some applicants discovering the requirement only after visa rejections.