The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new requirement for Ghanaians seeking employment in the country, making a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), mandatory for all employment visa applications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this on Monday, August 4, 2026, saying it received official notification from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Accra.
According to the Ministry, the directive falls under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Decision No. 1/36 of 2026. The new requirement is being implemented in two phases.
The first phase took effect from March 30, and applies to all worker categories applying for employment visas from Ghana.
The second phase took effect from July 20, and now also applies to all worker categories arriving in the UAE.
The Ministry said the PCC must be duly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and the Embassy of the UAE in Accra before it can be accepted by UAE authorities.
In addition, Ghanaians currently in the UAE on visit visas who intend to convert their status to work visas have been granted a 45-day grace period from the effective date of the decision to regularize their immigration status.
The Ministry is advising all Ghanaian citizens intending to seek employment in the UAE to take note of the new requirement for compliance. It added that it will work closely with the Embassy of the UAE to facilitate the smooth implementation of these measures.
Members of the public seeking further clarification have been urged to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Police Service, or the Embassy of the UAE in Accra.
