The UAE has upgraded its degree verification for private sector employment, introducing a fast-track digital service that makes it faster and easier for employers to confirm the academic credentials of job applicants — whether those qualifications were earned inside the country or abroad.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) jointly launched the initiative, marking a significant step in the UAE's ongoing effort to modernise its labour market through technology.
What the New Degree Verification Service Covers
The service currently applies to private-sector workers holding academic degrees at skill levels 1 to 4 obtained from institutions outside the UAE. In a future phase, the system will be extended to degrees issued by UAE universities and colleges as well.
Employers and job seekers can access the verification service through MoHRE's digital platforms — including its website and smart application — as well as through business service centres located across the country.
Officials Explain the Purpose
Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, outlined the broader impact of the initiative:
"Working on this project improves labour relations in the UAE with academic verification in work permits and prevents fraud. It supports our regulatory system and connects talent with the priorities of the country's economy."
Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, added that the service helps companies identify and recruit the most qualified workers, while simultaneously guiding students toward careers that meet genuine market demand.
How It Simplifies Hiring
The practical benefits for employers are significant. The new system:
- Reduces the time required to verify academic qualifications - Cuts down on paperwork at every stage of the hiring process - Consolidates costs into a single one-time fee - Allows school certificates to be authenticated with just a few clicks
The initiative also deepens cooperation between government ministries and private businesses, reinforcing the UAE's reputation as a global hub for skilled professionals and investors.
Aligned with Zero Government Bureaucracy
The UAE degree verification project directly supports the government's Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, which aims to eliminate unnecessary administrative steps across public services. By integrating MoHRE's work permit process with MoHESR's academic verification system, the project creates a seamless, end-to-end digital workflow.
With this digital integration in place, employment credential checks will be more robust, fraud harder to commit, and the UAE's evolving labour market better equipped to match verified talent with the economy's strategic priorities.
