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Pakistan: Travelling to the UAE? You’ll Now Pay PKR 9777 For A Police Clearance Certificate

From free paperwork to paid passport preps, what travellers to the UAE need to know!

by Deeplata Garde
Pakistan: Travelling to the UAE? You’ll Now Pay PKR 9777 For A Police Clearance Certificate

You might want to hold onto your wallet! If you plan to work in the UAE, there’s a new fee in town that could dampen your travel dreams. In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has imposed a PKR 9777 fee for police clearance or character certificates. These certificates, which once came free of charge, are now a mandatory requirement for anyone seeking employment visas for the UAE. So, what’s the deal with this sudden charge? Let’s break it down.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s New Fee For Police Character Certificate

Think of the police character certificate as your proof to show the world you haven’t committed any sort of crime in your life. It’s essentially a piece of paper that confirms you have no criminal history. For people planning to work in the UAE, this document is a must-have. After all, the UAE doesn’t just want skilled workers; they want law-abiding ones, too! The fee hike now means job seekers in KP will have to pay PKR 3,000 to prove their past is squeaky clean. So, unless you’ve got a secret fortune tucked away, this extra cost could sting a bit.

The Bigger Picture: UAE Visa Developments

Overstay Fine
Pic Creds: Canva Image

The UAE has long been a popular destination for Pakistani workers, with many relying on jobs in the Gulf nation to secure a better future. Recently, things seemed to take a turn for the better when the UAE announced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani citizens. No more pesky sponsorships or local guarantors required! But don’t get too excited just yet, there’s a catch. While the five-year visa offers more flexibility, the UAE has imposed stricter screening procedures for Pakistani applicants.

Why the change? Well, some Pakistanis have been involved in unlawful activities, prompting the UAE authorities to take extra precautions before approving work visas. The result? The police clearance certificate became a non-negotiable requirement. Hence, the charge for the certificate, which, according to officials, helps streamline the verification process and covers administrative costs.

Why the Fee Is Raising Eyebrows

Dubai Permit
Pic Creds: Canva Stock Images

This sudden fee hike has left many job seekers in a tight spot. For those in lower-income brackets, every penny counts. The idea of paying PKR 9777 for a piece of paper that was once free doesn’t sit well with everyone. For many, overseas employment is the only way to secure a livelihood, and this additional cost might feel like a punch to the gut. But as the authorities claim, the fee is meant to improve the efficiency of the process and ensure that the system remains secure. Still, it’s hard to ignore the frustration brewing among applicants, especially when it hits the pockets of those already struggling.

Also Read: UAE Now Issues 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visas To Pakistani Passport Holders

What This Means for Job Seekers

For those hoping to work in the UAE, the journey just got a little more expensive. Yet, with the potential for more changes ahead, it’s essential to stay updated and ready for whatever comes next. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images

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First Published: April 14, 2025 11:05 AM