The Criminal Record Certificate (commonly referred to as a Police Clearance Certificate, or PCC) is an official document issued by the Directorate of Public Security in Saudi Arabia. This certificate verifies whether an individual has a clean criminal record and is often required for employment, immigration, or official business abroad. Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Saudi Arabia is a crucial step for individuals seeking employment, residency, or immigration to other countries. The PCC serves as an official document verifying an individual’s criminal record status within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the largest country in the Middle East, located in the Arabian Peninsula. Its capital city, Riyadh, serves as the political and economic hub. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, and the currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).The country celebrates its National Day on September 23, marking its unification in 1932.
A Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a Criminal Record Certificate, is an official document issued by the Saudi authorities. It confirms whether an individual has any criminal records within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. The PCC is essential for purposes such as for immigration processes, employment applications, or residency permits in foreign countries.
The PCC guarantees authorities in the recipient country that the individual poses no security or criminal risk, serving as a testament to good conduct.
A Saudi PCC is required for:
Minors: Exemption: Applicants under 18 are generally not required to obtain a PCC.
Online Process via Absher:
Requirements:
Processing Time: Typically completed within one business day.
Cost: Free for first-time issuance; additional requests may incur nominal fees.
Application from Abroad for Saudi PCC: If you’re applying from outside Saudi Arabia, designate a representative residing in the Kingdom. Provide them with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), authenticated by the relevant authorities, to act on your behalf.
If you no longer reside in Saudi Arabia, the process involves appointing a representative or working through the Saudi Embassy.
Steps for Former Residents:
Ensure your fingerprints are correctly registered with the Ministry of Interior to avoid delays.
For Rejected Applications: Criminal records, discrepancies in personal details, or incomplete applications. Contact the Ministry of Interior to rectify errors or reapply after resolving issues.
Before issuing the Police Clearance Certificate, the Saudi police authorities meticulously review the applicant’s records. Here’s what they look for:
Authorities verify the applicant’s past activities during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This involves cross-checking against criminal databases and legal records.
If the individual has been involved in any unlawful activities, such as: Arrests. Convictions. Court Procedures. The application may be rejected.
Applicants must not have participated in activities deemed harmful to public safety or national interests during their stay.
Background investigations typically take 1–3 weeks depending on the complexity of the case.
Saudi PCC Tracking Applications: Individuals can monitor their application status for up to 30 days, including approved and rejected requests.
The validity of a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) depends on the specific requirements of the authority or institution requesting it. While the certificate itself does not have a universal expiration date, most entities typically consider it valid for a period ranging from six months to one year from the date of issuance.
No, a valid Iqama (Resident Permit) is typically required for non-Saudis to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Interior mandates an Iqama and a valid passport as essential identification for current residents. Without an Iqama, the process becomes more complicated and often requires direct assistance from the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
For individuals outside Saudi Arabia, the following steps can help:
For detailed support, refer to the official Ministry of Interior website or contact their Public Security Department.
Yes, individuals who have exited Saudi Arabia can still apply for a PCC through the following methods:
Option 1: Through the Saudi Embassy/Consulate
Option 2: Authorizing a Representative in Saudi Arabia
The processing time for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the application method:
Directorate of Public Security, Saudi Arabia
Phone: 920020405
Email: info@moi.gov.sa
For further assistance, contact the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
Our expert team is here to provide personalized assistance and ensure your application is handled smoothly from start to finish.
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