The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an attractive destination for professionals and job seekers from around the world due to its booming economy and abundance of career opportunities. However, in order to have your academic credentials recognized for employment in the UAE, it is essential to go through a process of certificate attestation and equivalency.
Certificate attestation refers to the legalization and authenticity verification of documents issued from one country to be used in the UAE. This involves obtaining certifications from the relevant authorities in the country where the certificate was issued, the UAE embassy or consulate in that country, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and finally the Ministry of Education in the UAE. This chain authentication process verifies that the certificates are genuine and confirms the certificates meet the UAE’s accreditation standards.
Academic equivalency refers to getting your qualifications compared to the education levels in the UAE. Even if you have verified certificates, they need to be evaluated by the UAE authorities to determine their equivalence to UAE qualification frameworks, such as credits, years of schooling and subjects studied. This assessment is carried out by the Ministry of Education and determines what level of education you have completed comparable to the UAE system.
The attestation and equivalency process is mandatory for expats applying for employment in both public and private sectors in the UAE. No matter what profession, having properly attested and equivalent certificates are essential recruitment requirements. For regulated professions like healthcare and engineering, attestation and equivalency from approved government bodies is absolutely crucial.
There are dire consequences for job seekers who forge or alter academic certificates. You may be permanently banned from employment in the country and face legal penalties. That is why proper attestation by authorized channels provides credibility and legitimacy for your credentials.
In today’s competitive job market, holding authentic attested documents and having equivalency assessments can give you a significant edge. Recruiters often screen applicants based on academic qualifications listed. Equivalency also enables you to ascertain if you meet the eligibility criteria for a particular job profile.
In conclusion, navigating the certificate attestation and equivalency process is an indispensable step for expats searching for jobs in the UAE. It validates your foreign qualifications to meet the UAE’s standards and requirements. Investing the time and effort to prepare properly attested and equivalent certificates will boost your employability and career advancement in the UAE.
Q: Which documents need attestation for UAE job search?
A: Educational certificates, transcripts, marksheets, diplomas and degree certificates need to be attested. For regulated professions, licenses and training certificates also require attestation.
Q: How long does attestation and equivalency evaluation take?
A: The process may take 2-6 weeks depending on country and type of document. It’s best to plan in advance.
Q: Can I skip attestation and equivalency for jobs in free zones?
A: No, attestation and equivalency are still required even for free zone jobs in the UAE.
Q: Does every copy of certificates need separate attestation?
A: Yes, each original and photocopy needs to go through the full attestation process.
Q: Where do I start the attestation process for UAE jobs?
A: Begin with the relevant issuing authority in your home country for authentication of originals.