What do UAE employers look for in a background check?

Employee background checks are crucial in our globalized and digital era, and the UAE is no exception. According to SHRM, the world's largest HR association, 87% of employers do background screening at the pre-employment stage, and, as stated by Harver, 78% of job applicants stretch the truth on their resumes. Legally, the UAE does not mandate background checks for new hires. Nonetheless, many employers in the UAE prefer to verify applicants’ claims of experience and identity.

First and foremost: why do UAE employers conduct a background check?

Let us delve into some tips explaining why background check holds such significance in the realm of successful hiring:

1. Companies must adhere to UAE strict laws in employment practices to ensure they hire legally eligible candidates. In addition to this, the UAE Penal Code in its Article 65 makes employers liable for any criminal acts committed by their employees, whether in a direct capacity or under the guise of official business.

2. Background checks can be instrumental for companies seeking to embrace DEI. The UAE labor market accomplishes multinational talents and diverse skills. This approach allows employees to appeal to a diverse pool of talents from various backgrounds, and strengthen their position in the market.

3. Background check helps companies mitigate risks of the aftermath of a misjudged hire, which can lead to financial losses or ruin a company’s reputation. Ensuring your team is composed of trustworthy employees serves as a protective barrier to your business's image. That is why a background check is an effective strategy to mitigate the risks of losing the investments made during the talent acquisition process. Furthermore, this check offers insights into potential hires' mindsets, helping assess their culture fit and make sure they are matching your team.

Types of background checks in the UAE

As a position's requirements may differ, the contents of a background check can vary. Common background screenings include one or several of the following:

1. Work experience and employment verification?

During the job application process, a potential employer may contact the references you provided on your application to verify your work experience. This type of background check allows a company to delve into your past performance, and career trajectory, and make sure the information you have provided is true, such as dates of employment, job titles, and experience. Check of work experience and employment verification also allows an employer to assess your alignment with the company values and culture code. That is why you should carefully and wisely select professional references who can speak positively about your skills and work approach. Positive feedback from former colleagues or managers could greatly influence whether you receive a job offer or rain on your parade.

Note: Your background check process must not be discriminatory in any manner. Regardless of gender, race, color, sex, religion, or nationality, your hiring must be based on equality, as stated by the UAE Labour Law.

2. Criminal records check

In the UAE, a "Certificate of Good Conduct" is the term commonly used for a criminal record check. This process involves verifying whether an individual has any prior criminal history, a crucial step in ensuring a safe work environment. It is not a standard requirement for all companies during the hiring process but some organizations, particularly those dealing with sensitive data, may request this certificate to minimize any potential liabilities of a bad hire. It is important to note that having a criminal record should not automatically disqualify you from employment. However, employers have the right to consider the severity of the past crime and its relevance to the job in question when making hiring decisions.

Note: If you have been living and working in the UAE for the past five years and are now applying for a new job, you might still need to obtain a Good Conduct Certificate from the emirate where your visa is registered. Whether or not your potential employer requests this certificate depends on the company policy.?

3. Social media profiles research

According to Proxyrack, the UAE has been labeled the 'social media capital of the world'. Additionally, the UAE boasts the highest percentage of people on Facebook, exceeding 100 percent. Therefore, it is a common practice in the Emirates to research the social media profiles of potential hires. This allows your employer to uncover any potential red flags, such as misrepresented qualifications, discriminatory posts or comments, or information regarding previous employers. So, unimportant at first, social media can play a significant role in making you a job offer.

Note: Make sure your social media profiles are polished by deleting any posts that could negatively impact your job prospects. If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of a post, it is highly advised to delete it. Moreover, consider turning on Facebook's timeline review feature. This way, you can control what appears on your profile, preventing any unwanted content from being shared without your approval.

4. Credit report check

Employers often use credit report checks as a tool to ensure the financial security of their company and the well-being of their clients. They believe that this type of check can help hire a trustworthy specialist as it provides valuable insights into a person's character. Your credit report can reveal potential warning signs that employers wish to avoid. For instance, a pattern of frequent late payments might indicate a lack of responsibility or an inability to uphold agreements. Additionally, lots of available credit may raise employer’s concerns about the potential for fraud.

Note: you should not consider this type of background check as harmful if you are recovering from a financial misstep and seeking a new job to overcome it. Employers do not receive your credit score but review a modified credit report. This report includes data on credit accounts, payment history, debts, bankruptcies, or liens.

5. Degree attestation check

Attestation of a degree is mandatory in the UAE. Degree attestation check protects employers from hiring individuals with forged educational documents, ensuring they hire qualified specialists. If your degree issued outside the UAE is not attested, you will need to first attest it at the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country where you studied. Then, you will need to do the same at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). Both steps can be done online through MOFAIC's website.

Note: If your degree was issued by an UAE university, you can attest your documents online on the official site of the UAE Ministry of Education. The process is easy and you can receive the attested degree in a few days.