Why police clearance matters (and where it fits)
For permanent roles in Dubai/Abu Dhabi (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar, employers often require a recent police clearance during visa processing and onboarding. It confirms you have no disqualifying criminal record. Think of it as immigration hygiene that runs in parallel with licensing (DHA/DOH/SCFHS/QCHP) and PSV/DataFlow. It’s usually not part of PSV, but HR and the visa team need it to keep your file moving.
Who this is for: Western-trained Nurses, Physiotherapists and Doctors from the UK/EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand pursuing employer-sponsored roles in the Gulf.
Which certificate do I need?
Request a national-level criminal record check from the competent authority in the country where you’re a citizen or have recently resided (employers may ask for multiple certificates if you lived in more than one country in the look-back period).
Illustrative issuers:
UK: ACRO Police Certificate (or equivalent)
USA: FBI Identity History Summary (fingerprints)
Canada: RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (fingerprints)
Australia: AFP National Police Check
New Zealand: Ministry of Justice Criminal Record
EU/EEA: the national police/ministry of justice criminal record extract
Ask HR which jurisdiction(s) they need, the issue-date window (often 3–6 months), and whether apostille/embassy attestation is required.
When to order (timing that avoids rework)
Order late enough that it stays valid through visa issuance (often 3–6 months validity window),
but early enough to avoid blocking sponsorship (some take weeks, especially if fingerprints are required).
If you lived in multiple countries, order them in parallel.
Fingerprints, apostille & translation—do I need them?
Fingerprints: required by some authorities (e.g., FBI/RCMP). Use approved live-scan or ink cards; follow the exact sizing/spec.
Apostille/attestation: immigration/legalisation teams may require this; check before you submit the application.
Certified translation: provide an English translation if the original isn’t in English; use a recognised translator.
Step-by-step plan (copy/paste)
Confirm requirements with your employer/PRO: jurisdictions, validity window, apostille/attestation, translation.
Prepare identity details: passport-exact name (include middle names), previous names, address history, dates of residence.
Book fingerprints (if needed); use approved forms and take valid ID.
Apply to the competent authority; keep receipts and tracking numbers.
Legalise (apostille/embassy) and translate if requested.
Scan and save a colour PDF; use a clean filename (e.g.,
Surname_Name_PoliceClearance_UK_2025.pdf).Share with HR/visa team; keep originals for embassy/attestation appointments.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Expired certificate at visa stage → order within the employer’s window.
Wrong authority or local-only check → request the national certificate.
Name/DoB mismatch vs passport → ensure passport-exact details (and include previous names).
Missing jurisdictions → if you lived elsewhere in the look-back period, provide those too.
Skipping legalisation/translation → confirm requirements first; add apostille/attestation and certified translation when required.
Low-quality scans → colour PDF, uncropped edges, legible seals.
How police clearance links to the bigger process
In parallel with licensing: DHA/DOH/SCFHS/QCHP + PSV/DataFlow
Immigration sequence: Entry/Work Visa → Residence (Emirates ID / Iqama / QID)
Start date: You may practise only when residency + licence + facility privileging are all active.
Ready-to-use mini-audit (before you send it)
Issued by the correct national authority
Issue date within required window (e.g., ≤ 6 months)
Passport-exact name (include previous names if relevant)
Apostille/attestation completed if required
Certified English translation attached if needed
High-quality colour PDF saved with a clean filename