Web Desk: Pakistanis seeking employment in United Arab Emirates (UAE) must now obtain a Police Character Certificate as part of the work visa application process under a new requirement introduced by the Emirati government, Pakistani immigration authorities said.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment said the policy has been in effect since July 20 and applies to all Pakistani nationals applying for UAE employment visas.
The move introduces an additional documentation requirement for thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the Gulf state each year in search of work, while millions of Pakistanis already live and work in the UAE.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment in Islamabad, applicants must obtain a Police Character Certificate, also referred to as a Good Conduct Certificate, from the relevant authorities in Pakistan before submitting their visa applications.
The certificate must also be authenticated by the UAE Embassy in Pakistan before it can be used as part of the employment visa process.
Officials advised prospective workers to complete the verification process before lodging their visa applications to avoid delays or administrative complications.
The new policy applies to every Pakistani applying for a UAE work visa, regardless of profession or employment category.
Authorities said the additional document is intended to verify an applicant’s criminal record status before entry into the UAE for employment purposes.
The Bureau urged applicants to secure the required certificate well in advance, noting that failure to submit the document could delay visa processing.
The UAE continues to be one of the largest overseas employment destinations for Pakistani workers, with millions of expatriates contributing to sectors including construction, transport, hospitality, healthcare and information technology.
Each year, thousands of Pakistanis travel to the Gulf country for new employment opportunities, making changes to visa requirements significant for prospective workers and recruitment agencies alike.
Immigration officials encouraged applicants to follow the updated procedures carefully and ensure all required documents are completed before initiating the visa process.
They said timely compliance with the new documentation requirement would help applicants avoid unnecessary delays and facilitate smoother processing of UAE work visa applications.
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