The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made police character certificates mandatory for Pakistani nationals applying for employment visas, introducing a new requirement for thousands of job seekers heading to the Gulf country.
According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), the new policy applies to all Pakistani applicants seeking UAE work visas and came into effect on July 20, 2026.
Under the revised requirements, applicants must first obtain a good conduct (police character) certificate from the relevant authority in Pakistan.
The certificate must then be attested by the UAE Embassy in Pakistan before it can be submitted as part of the employment visa application.
Officials said the new condition is mandatory for all Pakistani job seekers applying for work visas and is intended to become part of the standard visa processing procedure.
The new requirement adds an extra documentation step for thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the UAE each year in search of employment opportunities.
