Starting October 26, 2026, Tunisians applying for a new work visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be required to submit a certified police clearance certificate, also known as a bulletin n°3. This new requirement was announced by the Tunisian Consulate General in Dubai on October 8, 2026. The certificate must be issued by the relevant Tunisian authorities and authenticated by the UAE embassy in Tunisia.
The bulletin n°3 is a document that certifies an individual's good conduct and is issued by the Tunisian Ministry of Interior. It can be requested online through the ministry's official platform, which allows for remote submission and tracking of the application. The platform also enables electronic payment and delivery of the document. However, the exact modalities for authentication by the UAE authorities have not been specified.
This new requirement is part of a decision made by the UAE Council of Ministers, as stated in decision n°36/1 of 2026. The decision aims to enhance the regulation of work visas in the UAE. For Tunisian applicants, this means that they will need to anticipate obtaining the certificate and its authentication before submitting their visa application.
A specific arrangement has been made for Tunisians who are already in the UAE on a visit visa and have obtained a job offer. They will be granted a 45-day period, starting from October 26, 2026, to complete the necessary formalities to obtain a work visa. This deadline only applies to this specific category of applicants and should not be interpreted as a general transitional period for all candidates.
The Tunisian Consulate General in Dubai has emphasized that this new requirement is mandatory for all Tunisians seeking to work in the UAE. The consulate has advised applicants to prepare their dossiers in advance, taking into account this new required document. Employers and recruitment agencies are also advised to be aware of this new requirement to avoid any delays or complications.
The introduction of this new requirement may impact the recruitment process for Tunisian workers in the UAE. Employers and applicants will need to factor in the time required to obtain and authenticate the police clearance certificate. The UAE is a popular destination for Tunisian workers, and this new requirement may affect the flow of workers between the two countries.
The Tunisian government has not provided further information on how this new requirement will be implemented or how it will affect existing work visa holders. However, it is clear that Tunisian workers in the UAE will need to adapt to this new requirement, which aims to enhance the regulation of work visas in the UAE.
Key points
- Tunisians seeking work in UAE must now provide a certified police clearance certificate
- The certificate must be issued by Tunisian authorities and authenticated by the UAE embassy
- A 45-day deadline has been set for Tunisians already in the UAE on a visit visa to obtain a work visa
