Check out Good conduct certificate in UAE: Guidelines for Indian, Filipinos and Pakistani Expats

Diplomatic posts with sizeable number of expats have set guidelines on how to acquire the Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) for their respective citizens applying for new work visas in the UAE.

Obtaining a CGC or Police Clearance Certificate for jobseekers came into effect from February 4 this year. Expats applying for new work visas in the UAE are subjected to security background checks and required to submit a police clearance from their home countries, or the country of their residence for the past five years, as a move to ensure the security of the society, according to authorities.

As expected, diplomatic missions were initially flooded with numerous calls from concerned job seekers asking about the procedures involved in getting a CGC.

Clarity came in the ensuing days. Khaleej Times also contacted the Dubai Police call centre to find out how to obtain the certificate and were told that if an expatriate comes to the UAE as a new employee, "he/she will have to get a good conduct certificate from his/her home country before the visa can be issued".

However, the official clarified that the certificate is not mandatory if an existing resident is switching jobs within the country.

"But it's up to the employer if they still want a certificate of good conduct issued by the local police from the employee," the official added.

The screening is applicable only to new work visas. The certificate will only be applicable for the worker concerned and not his/her dependents. Those coming to the country on visit, tourist or student visas are not required to get the certificate either.

The very rationale of requiring a CGC is to create a safer and more sustainable society. "Making the UAE one of the safest countries in the world is the government's main aim. The new requirement will definitively prevent criminals from entering the country. The state has the right to protect society and its members," Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for criminal investigation affairs, said.

Moreover, it is not just aimed at preventing and reducing crime in the UAE. "The new procedure will also help those involved in financial cases to clear their names and come back or continue to work in the country," Al Mansouri added.

Good Conduct Certificate explained

Good conduct certificate is a certificate issued by the country of origin of an expat who is coming to the UAE on a work visa. If he/she had been residing in any other country than his/her home country, the expat needs to produce the certificate from that country.

> How can it be obtained?

It is usually issued by the police or ministry of external affairs in a resident's home country. It then needs to be ratified by the state's mission, as well as the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

> Is the certificate required for switching jobs within the UAE?

It is not mandatory for residents switching jobs within the country. However, it is up to the employer if they want a new recruit to produce the document.

> Do dependents of residents have to get the certificate?

The certificate will only be applicable for the worker concerned and not his/her dependents

> Who else are exempted from obtaining it?

Those coming to the UAE on visit, tourist or student visas.

> Documents required to apply for a good conduct certificate in UAE

Valid Emirates ID and an active email address

> How much you have to pay for the certificate?

UAE National - Dh100; Residents - Dh200; from outside the UAE - Dh300 plus Dh10 Knowledge fee and Dh10 Innovation fee

8 guidelines for Indian expats

> If applying from UAE

Indian job seekers looking to apply for a good conduct certificate or a police clearance certificate (PCC) in the UAE can apply via BLS International Services Ltd, a specialist service provider of outsourcing for a visa, passport, consular, and attestation services.

If you are an expat from Kerala, applicants can approach district police chiefs for the certificate, who will check the affidavit and the application, with the help of special branch police. The Kerala Police issued directives to all the district police chiefs to speed up procedures regarding issuance of police clearance certificates.

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