The situation

The United Arab Emirates’ Cabinet has approved a law that will require foreign nationals seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates to submit a legalized police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country and all countries of residence in the past five years with their visa application.

The new law is expected to come into force in February.

• Certificate details. The criminal clearance certificate must be legalized by the UAE consular post in the country of issue or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the United Arab Emirates. 
• Exemptions. It is expected that foreign nationals travelling under UAE visitor visas for purposes other than employment as well as dependent family members will be exempt from this requirement.
• Impact. Foreign nationals and their employers must account for the additional time and cost to secure and legalize their criminal clearance certificate(s).

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.