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 dated 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).
According to the Ministry, the requirement was 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 implementation of the policy was carried out in two phases. The first phase took effect on March 30, 2026, covering all categories of workers applying for employment visas from Ghana. The second phase became effective on July 20, 2026, extending the requirement to all worker categories arriving in the UAE.
The Ministry further explained 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.
It also noted that 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 regularise their immigration status.
The Ministry has advised all Ghanaians intending to work in the UAE to comply with the new requirement and encouraged those seeking further clarification to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Police Service, or the UAE Embassy in Accra.
The Ministry said it will continue working closely with the UAE Embassy to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures.
By: Bernard Mensah
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