In the UAE, a police clearance certificate is a very important document, as it determines whether a resident has any criminal background or is accused of any crime. Usually, police clearance certificates are issued by the police department of the state.
What is a police clearance certificate?
A police clearance certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the authorities in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that verifies an individual’s criminal record status. This certificate is crucial for various purposes, such as employment, visa applications, and immigration procedures. It confirms whether an individual has any pending criminal convictions or not. In Abu Dhabi, a PCC is also known as a Clear Criminal Record Certificate. This document serves as a testament to an individual’s clean criminal record, ensuring they are not involved in any illegal activities.
Understanding police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, a PCC is issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and is a mandatory requirement for various purposes. The certificate is usually valid for a specific period, which may vary depending on the requirements of the authority or organization requesting it. The MOI issues the certificate after verifying the individual’s criminal record through their database and other relevant authorities. This verification process ensures that the information provided is accurate and up to date, making the PCC a reliable document for legal and administrative purposes.
Who needs police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi?
A PCC is required for various individuals, including:
- UAE citizens and residents who need to travel abroad for work, study, or other purposes.
- Expatriates who are applying for a residency visa in Abu Dhabi.
- Individuals applying for a job in Abu Dhabi who need to provide a clear criminal record.
- People getting married in Abu Dhabi who need to provide a PCC as part of the marriage registration process.
These requirements ensure that individuals meet the legal and regulatory standards set by the authorities in Abu Dhabi, promoting a safe and secure environment.
Eligibility criteria for UAE police clearance certificate
To be eligible for a PCC in Abu Dhabi, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UAE citizen or resident.
- Have a valid Emirates ID.
- Have a valid residency visa (for expatriates).
- Not have any pending criminal convictions.
- Provide all required documents, including a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, and a completed application form.
Meeting these criteria ensures that the applicant is eligible for a PCC and that the information provided is accurate and verifiable.
Understanding police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi
A PCC, also called a ‘Good Conduct Certificate’, is evidence of an individual’s criminal history — or absence thereof — in the state where they now reside. This certification may be required for individuals planning to work, seek employment, travel, or reside in a foreign country. The government bodies and police agencies all around the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, issue the certificate, which states that the bearer is innocent and has no prior criminal record. If you have to travel to Abu Dhabi, you must present a PCC in order to apply for jobs or submit requests for a visa to enter the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, as well as to verify if the information being shared is accurate. This is important since it shows that the individual isn’t connected to any illegal activities and validates their legal direction.
Who requires a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi?
A police clearance certificate Abu Dhabi is available to both residents and foreigners. Still, it is especially crucial for people who are using the best job-finding advice in the UAE to secure numerous employment opportunities. Providing accurate personal details, such as mobile numbers, full names, and email addresses, is essential during the online application process. Therefore, in order to be certain they are employing someone who has complied with national regulations, employers in a variety of sectors ought to request to see a copy of the candidate’s police clearance certificate. Thus, requesting a PCC should be part of the top four considerations for hiring employees in the UAE. The applicant is trying to demonstrate that he or she has never been involved in any criminal activity. In a similar vein, applicants to institutions in the United Arab Emirates may need to present a PCC.
Individuals getting married in Abu Dhabi need to provide a PCC as part of the marriage registration process.
Therefore, it is usual for someone to be asked to provide a PCC. Since the procedure is quick in this particular case, understanding how to obtain it is helpful.
Documents required for police clearance certificate
Below are the documents required in order to apply for a police clearance certificate:
- Filled-out application (personal information).
- All of your fingerprint marks.
- A fingerprint card.
- A copy of your UAE identity card in colour.
- Six current passport-size photos (without a hat or eyeglasses).
- Coloured scans or photocopies of your passports, certified by yourself (current or old).
- Documentation proving the last UAE residence address.
- A record attesting to the requirement for the certificate.
- A copy of your dependant, appointment letter, work permit, and/or residency permission.
Process of obtaining police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi
Here are the steps which you need to follow to obtain the police clearance certificate:
Online
- Go to the official website of the MOI.
- Go to the Important Services tab by scrolling down the page.
- Press the next button.
- Located in the center is the clear criminal record certificate.
- To view the e-service page including all of the instructions, click View More.
- To begin using the service if you are a new user, click Register. In order for the system to confirm your identification, you will need to provide your Emirates ID number.
- Click Start Services after that.
- To log in, enter your password and username.
- Give your email address.
- Choose Emirate from the menu.
- Choose the reason for your request for the paper.
- Choose between Arabic and English for the police certificate’s language.
- Choose inside if you are currently within a country.
- Enter the name of the organization you plan to send the police certificate to.
- In order to acquire your police clearance certificate, choose the delivery option.
- Proceed to complete the online payment by entering the necessary information.
- Finally, press the Pay button.
In-person application
To obtain the police certificate, go to any of the Ministry of Interior’s service centers. In the same way, you can physically seek this documentation by visiting an Abu Dhabi police station. This is what you have to do:
- Find the closest Abu Dhabi police station.
- Proceed to the customer service area.
- Send in a copy of your application letter together with any required paperwork.
- Use your credit or debit card to make the necessary fee payments.
You can then get your PCC within the allotted period. It is crucial to remember that the best documentation demonstrating your lack of security risks to the nation is a clean criminal record.
Using the mobile app
The MOI UAE app is available for download on iTunes and Google Play. Therefore, you can proceed with the same steps that you would on the desktop website for creating an account.
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Cost and payment options
The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi varies based on the payment method and delivery options you choose. Generally, the fee ranges from Dh50 to Dh53 for in-person payments. If you opt for online payment with home delivery, the cost is typically Dh50 plus an additional Dh13 for delivery. You can conveniently pay the applicable fees using electronic payment cards, including credit cards and e-dirham. Some service centers may also offer additional services, such as expedited processing or courier delivery, for an extra fee. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the most convenient and cost-effective option for your needs.
Processing time for getting police clearance certificate
In most cases, you will get your police certificate within 24 hours if you applied on a working day. However, if you applied on a non-working day, the delivery time can be different. Alternatively, you can ask for your police certificate to be mailed to your house in physical copy. However, bear in mind that shipping fees will apply.
Email distribution is an alternative, and since it is faster, many people choose to use it. On the other hand, if you apply in person, your certificate might be given to you that same day by email or in person at that very moment.
Validity of the certificate
The validity of a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi generally ranges from three to six months. However, the exact validity period may vary depending on the specific requirements of the authority or company requesting the certificate. It is crucial to check with the relevant government body or organization to verify the exact validity duration for your particular situation. Keeping your police clearance certificate up to date is essential, as you may need to renew or update it periodically to ensure it remains valid for your intended use.
Service center locations and assistance
The Ministry of Interior has several service centers located throughout Abu Dhabi where you can apply for a police clearance certificate in person. These service centers are equipped to assist you with the application process and provide guidance on the required documents and procedures. To find the nearest service center, you can visit the Ministry of Interior’s website or use the MOI UAE app. Additionally, some service centers may offer extra services, such as fingerprinting or document attestation, to support your application process. This ensures that you have access to all the necessary resources to complete your application smoothly.
Obtaining police clearance certificate outside UAE
You must be aware that you require a fingerprint card in order to obtain your police clearance certificate outside of the United Arab Emirates if you were formerly a resident of the country but are no longer residing there.
A report from the relevant police agency is called a fingerprint card. Depending on each person’s unique biometrics, this will change. You might be unable to return to the UAE since you may have already utilized your grace period following the revocation of your visa. But not to worry much — obtaining your police certificate is simple.
To obtain a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi, simply adhere to the following steps:
- Obtain a fingerprint card from the police in the nation where you currently reside and have it verified by the UAE embassy there.
- Complete the following paperwork: A copy of your passport, two passport-sized photos, and a copy of your most recent UAE visa.
- Send in the fingerprint card, all supporting papers, and a statement explaining why you are applying.
- Submit the request to the Ministry of Interior via the internet.
- Make the necessary fee payments.
- Get your certificate of police proficiency.
Tips for a smooth application process
To ensure a smooth application process for your police clearance certificate, make sure to have all the required documents ready. These include a valid Emirates ID, a letter confirming no pending criminal convictions, a recent passport-sized photo, a copy of your passport, and your visa. It is also essential to fill out the application form accurately and completely. Paying the applicable fees using electronic payment cards can streamline the process. Consider using the MOI UAE app or website to apply online, which can save you time and effort. If you are unsure about any aspect of the application process, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a service center or the Ministry of Interior’s customer support team. This proactive approach will help you avoid any potential delays or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most reliable way to get a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi?
Using the Abu Dhabi Police website is among the quickest and most dependable ways to get a PCC in Abu Dhabi.
Who is eligible to get the police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi?
Both citizens and foreign nationals are qualified to get a PCC.
How long does it take to receive PCC in the UAE?
The PCC will be provided in 10 to 14 working days, both with and without a UAE finger print.
Can I obtain a physical copy of the Abu Dhabi police clearance certificates?
Yes, if you pick the online application method, a printed copy will be provided to your home. However, sending an email is an additional option for online PCC requests in Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a PCC is an essential document required for various purposes in Abu Dhabi. It is a mandatory requirement for employment, visa applications, and immigration procedures. The certificate is issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) after verifying the individual’s criminal record. To be eligible for a PCC, an individual must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes being a UAE citizen or resident, having a valid Emirates ID, and not having any pending criminal convictions. Keeping your PCC up to date is crucial for ensuring it remains valid for your intended use.
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