Truss News

2018 April 2

On 4th February 2018 it became  mandatory for a certificate of good conduct to be submitted with all new employment visa applications in the UAE.  The purpose of the certificate was to serve as a security check on foreign workers coming to the UAE, safeguarding the country’s national security and ensuring a safe living environment.  However, on 1st April 2018, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced that this requirement is currently cancelled.

It is understood that this is a temporary measure due to complaints from companies struggling to process visas in good time.  It is further understood that the Ministry is talking with the overseas providers of the certificates in relation to speeding up the process.

In the meantime, some Embassies are still urging people to apply for the certificates, so that they have them ready for the time when the requirement is re-introduced to ensure a speedy and smooth visa application.

Rules for Certificates of Good Conduct for persons changing jobs in the UAE 

• For persons changing jobs and not leaving the UAE between jobs a certificate of good conduct is not required.

• For persons changing jobs and exiting the country between jobs, a certificate of good conduct is required to process the new visa.

Rules for Certificates of Good Conduct for persons who have been resident in the UAE for over five years

• The certificate of good conduct can be obtained from the police in the respective Emirate where they resided.

Rules for Certificates of Good Conduct for persons who have NOT been resident in the UAE for five years

• The certificate of good conduct should be obtained from the respective jurisdiction(s) where the person has resided during the previous five years.

• The certificate requires authentication in the UAE Embassy and/or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the respective jurisdiction(s).  Once the certificate arrives in the UAE, it should be authenticated at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. • If the certificate is not in English or Arabic, it will need to be translated into either of these languages.

• The certificate is valid for 3 months.

Exclusions for the Certificates of Good Conduct

Certificates of Good Conduct are not required in the following circumstances

• Dependents visas

• Tourist visas

• Student visas

• Medical visas

• Mission visas

• Residents born and raised in the UAE