Ghanaians who wish to seek employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now required to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate before their work visa applications can be processed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana announced this new requirement following an official notification from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Accra. This change is part of the revised immigration rules for foreign workers in the UAE.
In a public statement issued on August 4, 2026, the Ministry explained that the directive is based on UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Decision No. 1/36 of 2026. It said the new rules make it compulsory for all applicants for UAE employment visas to obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
The Ministry explained that the requirement is being introduced in two phases. The first phase, which took effect on March 30, 2026, applies to all categories of workers applying for employment visas from Ghana. It added that the second phase, which came into effect on July 20, 2026, extends the requirement to all categories of workers arriving in the UAE.
According to the statement, the Police Clearance Certificate is an additional requirement for employment visa applications. The Ministry said the certificate must be authenticated by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the UAE in Accra before it will be accepted by the UAE authorities.
It also announced a 45-day grace period for Ghanaians currently in the UAE on visit visas who intend to change their immigration status to work visas. The period takes effect from the date the directive came into force, allowing affected persons to regularise their status.
The Ministry advised Ghanaians intending to seek employment in the UAE to take note of the new requirement and comply with it. It added that it would work with the Embassy of the UAE in Accra to facilitate the implementation of the new measures. The Ministry urged members of the public who require further information to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Police Service or the Embassy of the UAE in Accra.
Source: Mohammed Ali
