There have been several recent notable developments in the UAE, namely the end to a temporary concession permitting residents with expired residence permits to re-enter the country, new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requirements have been introduced for specific nationalities, and the Nafis programme has been extended through 2040 with enhanced benefits, reinforcing the UAE’s long-term commitment to Emiratisation.
Conclusion of temporary concession
Last month, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) introduced a temporary concession allowing UAE residents stranded abroad – whose residence permits expired on or after 28 February 2026 – to re-enter the UAE without penalties, provided they returned by 31 March 2026. This measure was implemented in response to the conflict in the region and airspace disruptions, which prevented permit holders from returning to the UAE.
The concession has now formally concluded and no further extensions are expected at this present time. Consequently, residence permit renewals or cancellations must be completed in line with standard procedures to ensure continued compliance with UAE regulations.
Enhanced Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requirements
The UAE authorities have recently introduced mandatory PCC requirements for certain nationalities. PCCs are now required for all new employment entry permits – including when switching from a prearranged visit visa or following permit cancellation – as well as for renewal applications. Strict adherence to these requirements is essential to avoid processing delays, complications, or the
submission of premature applications.
Strict adherence to these requirements is essential to avoid processing delays, complications, or the submission of premature applications.
The table below outlines the application types, PCC requirements, and the nationalities affected:
| PCC requirements overview | ||
| Application type | PCC requirements | Nationalities impacted |
| Employment Residence Permit – new applications, including in-country conversions (from visit visas or after permit cancellations) | PCC issued by the applicantʼs home country, followed by the legalisation at the jurisdictional UAE embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE | Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Uganda |
| Employment Residence Permit – renewal applications | UAE PCC issued by Dubai Police or Ministry of Interior | |
Extension of the Nafis programme
The UAE government has announced the extension of the Nafis programme through 2040, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to Emiratisation, empowering national talent and enhancing their contribution to the labour market. The programme now also includes several new initiatives aligned with the Year of the Family, including:
Since its inception, the Nafis programme has facilitated the employment of 176,000 Emiratis, with 152,000 currently employed in the private sector. Notably, women account for 74% of the programme participants, underscoring its significant impact in promoting workforce diversity and inclusion.
Individuals with expired UAE residence permits can no longer rely on the previous re-entry concession introduced for expired residence permits, and employers will therefore need to plan accordingly in terms of re-applying for their employees to return to the UAE.
Employers and applicants should also prepare for the enhanced PCC requirements, ensuring that all necessary documentation is obtained in advance to prevent delays or complications in the processing of entry permits and renewal applications.
The extension of the Nafis programme further highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to workforce nationalisation, providing private sector employers with greater access to Emirati talent and reinforcing the importance of compliance with Emiratisation requirements. With organisations expected to achieve a 9% Emiratisation rate by June and 10% by the end of this year, the programme also signals the government’s long-term commitment to Emiratisation and we now await details of any further measures or targets to the current framework beyond 2026.
At this stage, organisations are still awaiting clarification on any additional requirements, which will be critical in shaping how they plan and implement long-term workforce and compliance strategies.
At Vialto Partners, we help businesses and employees navigate the complexities of UAE immigration policies and their practical implications. Our services include:
For personalised advice on how these changes may affect your employees or business operations, please reach out to your Vialto Partners advisor.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Rekha Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration
Nasrine Abdi
Manager, Middle East Immigration
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