The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a new requirement for Ghanaians seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following an official notification from the UAE Embassy in Accra.
In a public announcement issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Ministry said all Ghanaian nationals applying for employment visas to the UAE must now obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), as part of the visa application process.
According to the Ministry, the requirement has been introduced under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Decision No. 1/36 of 2026.
The Ministry explained that the implementation of the policy has been rolled out in two phases.
The first phase took effect on March 30, 2026, making the Good Conduct Certificate mandatory for all worker categories applying for employment visas from Ghana.
The second phase, which came into effect on July 20, 2026, extends the requirement to all worker categories already residing in the UAE.
Officials stressed that the Good Conduct Certificate is an additional mandatory document for employment visa applications and must be authenticated by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Accra before it will be accepted by UAE authorities.
The Ministry also announced transitional arrangements for Ghanaians currently in the UAE on visit visas who intend to convert their status to work visas. Such individuals have been granted a 45-day grace period from the effective date of the decision to regularise their immigration status.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry urged all Ghanaian citizens planning to work in the UAE to comply with the new requirement to avoid delays or complications in their visa applications.
It added that it will continue to work closely with the UAE Embassy in Accra to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures.
The Ministry further advised members of the public seeking additional information or clarification to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Police Service, or the UAE Embassy in Accra.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI