Starting in February 2018, expats applying for work and residency visas will need to provide a certificate of good conduct issued by their home country, or their country of residence for the last five years. The document must then be attested by UAE embassies or Customer Happiness Centers in the UAE.
The announcement, made by the state news agency WAM - Opens in new tab, did not elaborate as to the specific contents of the certificate. However, it appears to essentially comprise of a background or criminal history check. Dependents, tourists, and students are exempted from the requirement. According to a source speaking to Gulf News - Opens in new tab, expat residents born in the UAE will have to provide a certificate once they apply for a job.
