Omanghana
Ghanaians seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates must now obtain a Police Clearance Certificate before their work visa applications can be processed.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the requirement in an official directive issued on August 4, 2026, following a notification from the UAE Embassy in Accra.
The new measure forms part of revised UAE immigration screening procedures intended to strengthen security checks for foreign workers.
The requirement is based on UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and regulations being implemented by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Under the directive, every Ghanaian applying for a UAE employment visa must submit a Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a Good Conduct Certificate. The document confirms whether an applicant has a criminal record and will serve as an additional security screening tool across all categories of foreign workers.
Applicants must also ensure that the certificate is officially authenticated before submission. A basic Police Clearance Certificate without the necessary endorsements will not be accepted by UAE immigration authorities.
The document must first be authenticated by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subsequently verified by the UAE Embassy in Accra.
Implementation of the requirement is taking place in two phases. The first phase began on March 30, 2026, and applies to all categories of workers submitting employment visa applications from Ghana.
The second phase took effect on July 20, 2026, extending the requirement to newly arriving worker categories within the UAE.
Ghanaians currently residing in the UAE on tourist or temporary visit visas who intend to change their immigration status to employment have reportedly been granted a 45-day grace period from the applicable implementation date.
During the grace period, affected individuals are expected to obtain the required documentation and regularize their status in accordance with UAE immigration procedures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised prospective workers to begin the background-check and authentication process early. Applicants should allow enough time for police processing, domestic authentication and verification by the UAE Embassy to avoid delays in their visa applications.
Job seekers have also been encouraged to ensure that all documents are genuine and processed through the appropriate authorities, as incomplete or improperly authenticated certificates could lead to visa delays or rejection.
Source: Omanghana
