Update on all UAE Visas - Certificates of Good Conduct
Update on all UAE Visas - A Certificate of Good Conduct will be required for all new visas and renewals from 4th February 2018.
A ‘certificate of good conduct’ will now be a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa in the UAE, a high-level panel has announced. The decision of the committee, which was approved on Monday, will come into effect from February 4.
Going forward for all new cases, it will be a requirement to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct (background check clearance) from all countries of domicile for the last (five) 5 years and have that certificate Notarised Legalised and Attested prior to submitting the work or resident permit application. The Legalised certificate then should be attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country or country of domicile (Attestation). The final Attested certificate then should be stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
This process will result in increased processing times and additional cost so these will need to be factored into the visa process.
This process will only be applicable for the visa for the employee concerned and not his/her dependents. Those coming to the country on visit or tourist visas need not obtain these certificates.
How to obtain a ‘good conduct’ certificate ahead of UAE’s new work visa regulations?
United Kingdom
British citizens are able to apply online through the website www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates which is the fastest route, or by post. They will have to fill in an application form with the expected response time two working days for the premium service, and 10 working days for the standard service.
United States
Americans can visit their local police department or request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) either an FBI Identification Record or proof that a record does not exist. A written request must be sent to the Criminal Justice Information Services division at the FBI, along with proof of identity, a set of fingerprints, which can be taken at local police departments, and a certified cheque or money order for the processing fee.
France
Citizens can apply online through the Ministry of Justice’s website www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr. They will have different options depending on their place of birth and whether they are in or out of the country, each of which will require them to fill out an application form. They will also be able to choose how many copies of the document they require, free of charge. The document will contain criminal offences and will be sent back by post.
India
Citizens can apply online through the website of the Ministry of External Affairs Consular, Passport and Visa Division www.portal1.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/pccOnlineApp. They will have to register through the Passport Seva online portal and click the “apply for a police clearance certificate” link. After entering the required details and submitting the form, they will be asked to make an online payment in order to be able to book an appointment at a passport office. Citizens will have to take their original documents to the chosen passport office.
Dependent on the state in which the citizens live, they can also visit police authorities to receive the document.
Australia
The country’s federal police can provide National Police Checks for residents of the Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory and external Commonwealth territories. The document can be used for those seeking employment with the Commonwealth government, those requiring a check under Commonwealth legislation and for Australian immigration purposes, as well as for overseas employment, adoption and visa applications.
The committee, which includes representatives from multiple government agencies, said the action comes within the framework of the efforts of the UAE government to create “a safer and more sustainable society”.
PRO Partner Group provides professional Company and Staffing support services in the UAE and can assist you with this process.
For further information please contact us on info@ppg.ae or call a member of the team on:
+971 (0)4 456 1761 (Dubai) +971 (0)2 448 5120 (Abu Dhabi)
Update on all UAE Visas – A Certificate of Good Conduct will be required for all new visas and renewals from 4th February 2018. https://t.co/X671P87b0A
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