Here are all the important bits you need to know about the new requirement.
What Is The ‘ Good Conduct Certificate ’ All About?
The good conduct certificate is a police clearance certificate that has become a mandatory requirement for those looking to move to the UAE for work. It is a certificate from the police or legal authorities of an applicant’s country of residence, verifying that he or she has never been charged with a criminal offense and has no criminal record.
The aim behind the implementation of this new rule is to ensure the maintenance of a high level of domestic security in the UAE. The introduction of good conduct certificates will help the UAE authorities fine-tune the screening process for new expats entering the country.
[Compare Credit Cards in the UAE]
How Can You Obtain This Certificate?
The certificate has to be issued by the relevant authorities in the visa applicant’s home country. Alternatively, it can be obtained from the applicant’s last country of residence, provided he or she has legally resided there for the last five years.
Depending on the country of application, the authorities issuing a good conduct certificate or an equivalent certificate could be your local police department, the federal police authorities, the Ministry of Justice or External Affairs or the national passport issuance authority.
Once you have the certificate, it will then have to be attested by the UAE’s diplomatic mission overseas or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the UAE.
Who’s Exempt?
Tourists traveling to the UAE, students coming to the UAE to pursue higher education, as well as dependents of those seeking employment in the UAE will be exempt.
As per General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA), Good Conduct Certificate is not a ‘Mandatory document’ if you’re already living in the UAE and are considering switching jobs.
[Related: Visiting Dubai? Get Your Visa Sorted…]
Can You Apply For The Certificate From The UAE?
Though expats already residing in the UAE don’t need a good conduct certificate, you may be asked to produce one by a new employer. And even though it is not a current requirement, authorities in the UAE may require you to obtain this certificate in the future.
As of now, the simplest way to apply for a good conduct or police clearance certificate in the UAE is through the Dubai Police Website or the Dubai Police Smart App. You will need a valid Emirates ID to proceed with the application. UAE residents will have to pay a service fee of AED 220 to procure the certificate.
If you know someone who’s looking for job in the UAE or has just landed a job here, pass on this information, and help make their move to the UAE smooth and hassle-free.
