The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a new requirement for Ghanaian nationals seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following an official notification from the UAE Embassy in Accra.

Under the new directive, all Ghanaians applying for employment visas to the UAE must obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), as part of their visa application process.

The ministry said the measure forms part of UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Decision No. 1/36 of 2026, which have already taken effect in phases.

“Under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/36 of 2026 and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Decision No. 1/36 of 2026, all persons applying for employment visas to the UAE will be required to obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC),” the ministry said in a public announcement issued on Tuesday, August 4.

According to the statement, the first phase of the policy took effect on March 30, and applies to all worker categories applying for employment visas from Ghana.

The second phase became effective on July 20, extending the requirement to all worker categories arriving in the UAE.

The ministry further explained that the Police Clearance Certificate is an additional requirement for employment visa applications and must be authenticated by both Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Accra before it will be accepted by the UAE authorities.

It also disclosed 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 advises all Ghanaian citizens intending to seek employment in the UAE to take note of this new requirement for compliance. We will work closely with the Embassy of the UAE to facilitate the smooth implementation of these measures,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged members of the public to seek further clarification from the ministry, the Ghana Police Service, or the UAE Embassy in Accra where necessary.