UAE Updates PCC Attestation Rules for India: Original Certificate Now Mandatory

Planning to get your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) attested for use in the UAE? Don’t turn up with a copy. The UAE Embassy and Consulates in India now require applicants to submit the original PCC during the attestation process through VFS Global.

The update affects Indian passport holders applying for employment, residency, or other long-term purposes in the UAE where a PCC attestation is required. Missing any of the new requirements could mean delays or a rejected application.

What You Need to Know

Indian PCC applicants now must meet all of the following conditions before submitting their PCC for attestation:

• Carry the original Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) when visiting VFS Global.
• The PCC must be issued by a Regional Passport Office (RPO) in India.
• PCCs issued outside India will not be accepted.
• The document must first be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Submit the original PCC only through VFS Global, the UAE’s authorised service provider in India.

For many applicants, the biggest change is that overseas-issued PCCs are no longer valid for this process. Indians who obtained a PCC while living abroad may now need to secure a fresh certificate from an Indian Regional Passport Office before starting the attestation process.

This also reflects a wider trend. Authorities are placing greater emphasis on document authenticity, leaving less room for alternative paperwork or incomplete submissions.

Why It Matters for Indians

The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian professionals, with frequent flights from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Kozhikode. Anyone preparing for a work visa or residence-related paperwork should verify that their PCC meets these conditions before booking an appointment.

Travelobiz Take:

We believe this update is practical because it removes confusion about which PCCs are acceptable. I recommend checking every document before your VFS appointment to avoid unnecessary delays and repeat visits.