The United Arab Emirates has made a Police Character Certificate (PCC) mandatory for all Pakistani citizens applying for employment visas. The new requirement took effect on July 20, 2026, according to reports published by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).
Under the revised policy, every Pakistani seeking work in the UAE must obtain a police character certificate from the relevant local authorities. Applicants must also secure attestation of the certificate from the UAE Embassy in Pakistan before submitting their employment visa applications.
Authorities advised prospective workers to complete the certificate process before filing visa applications. Consequently, officials believe the measure will help prevent delays, rejections, and complications during visa processing.
The new requirement forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen background verification procedures for foreign workers. Furthermore, the initiative aims to improve security screening before authorities issue employment-related visas.
Similar verification measures have also emerged in several countries that employ large numbers of foreign workers. Therefore, applicants should ensure they meet all documentation requirements before beginning the visa process.
The UAE remains one of the largest overseas employment destinations for Pakistani workers. Currently, more than 1.7 million Pakistani expatriates live and work across the Emirates in various industries.
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis travel to the UAE in search of better employment opportunities. They find jobs in construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, transportation, and several other sectors that rely on skilled and semi-skilled workers.
The latest policy highlights the importance of accurate documentation and timely compliance. As a result, Pakistani job seekers should obtain the required certificate well before submitting employment visa applications to avoid unnecessary processing issues.
