Accra: Ghanaians seeking employment opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now mandated to obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), prior to applying for employment visas. This new requirement was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 4, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received an official notification from the Embassy of the UAE in Accra regarding the introduction of this requirement for Ghanaian nationals. The measure was introduced under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and regulations by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
The implementation of this requirement is structured in two phases. The first phase, effective from March 30, 2026, applies to all worker categories applying for employment visas from Ghana. The second phase, which began on July 20, 2026, extends the requirement to all worker categories arriving in the UAE.
The Ministry emphasized that the Good Conduct Certificate is an additional requirement for employment visa applications. It must be authenticated by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and the Embassy of the UAE in Accra before acceptance by UAE authorities.
Furthermore, the Ministry addressed Ghanaians currently in the UAE on visit visas who wish to change their status to work visas, granting them a 45-day grace period from the effective date of the decision to regularize their immigration status.
Prospective applicants are urged to take note of the new requirement and ensure compliance before making employment visa applications. The Ministry advises the public to seek further clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Police Service, or the Embassy of the UAE in Accra if necessary.