If you are planning to go for immigration or for seeking residency or employment in any other country, and have resided in Malaysia, you will surely need a Police Clearance Certificate, also known as Police Certificate, Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Good Character from Malaysia. This document confirms if you have any criminal records while in the country or if you do not.
Background checks involve it and when you have no idea how to go about the procedure, it can be a little complicated. This guide overviews the process of getting a Police Certificate from Malaysia and describes how it is much easier, faster, and more stress-free when done with the help of a private authorized agency.
What is a Police Certificate?
Police Clearance Certificate from Malaysia is an Official certificate issued by Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) which mentions the criminal check of the candidate. This certificate is often needed for immigration purposes, for work permits or university admission if someone has been living in Malaysia for quite a long time.
Procedure for Getting a Police Clearance Certificate from Malaysia
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Register Online
The first thing that has to be done is to obtain MOFA’s e-consular ID through the Malaysian government’s e-Konsular website. Here, you will make an account and fill the application form which is available on the site. Just to ensure you are right and updated with the information you are presenting, it can help in the process because if not correct, it may slow the process.
Prepare Required Documents
Once you’ve registered online, you’ll need to gather several essential documents:
- A copy of your valid passport
- Foreign passport holders are required to provide a proof of previous residence in the country.
- A passport-sized photograph
- Photocopy of both the sides of your National Identity Card (local applicant) and the latest visa endorsement on your passport (international applicant).
It may be necessary to attach more documents if applying from another country like proof of residence in your current country.
Submit the Application
After filling the online registration form you can attach the documents with the application form. For those who are in Malaysia at the moment, this can be done at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For candidates residing in other countries, submission is normally made through the nearest consular office in Malaysia.
Fingerprinting
In case you are applying from abroad, you may also have to provide fingerprints at an accredited center. This is an important step mainly because fingerprints are needed during the background check. Make sure that the service of fingerprinting is certified because improper documentation will result in loss of time.
Pay the Processing Fee
Depending on where you are and the method of processing that is required, there will be a fee charged. This fee is not fixed, although you should check whether you have paid it via the correct means, online or in the submission venue.
Wait for Processing
Regarding the time required for the processing it might take between one and three months but it varies. However, for international applicants, this may take longer since mailing time taken as well as delay in communicating with embassies takes longer time.
Receive Your Certificate
Afterwards, your Police Certificate will be ready for collection from the Ministry, the embassy or will be sent to you through mail or post.
Hiring a Private Authorized Agency: What You Need to Know
Nonetheless, the above steps might seem rather simple, but they can turn into a real nightmare and take a lot of time if, for instance, you face some difficulties. If you lose a document or pay for a fingerprint when you are not supposed to, or if there is miscommunication as to the type of criminal records considered by the bureaus then your application may be slowed. Here’s why working with a private authorized agency can make the process far easier:
Avoid Errors and Delays: Since private agencies are in a position for a long time they are aware of all the requirements and factors that lead to rejection of the application. Even from formatting documents, they help you to do it right to fingerprinting procedures and everything in between, they orchestrate with efficiency.
Save Time: When the applications themselves have to be pursued independently, as often happens when the applicants live outside of the country of Malaysia, it becomes extraordinarily challenging in the largest sense of the term. The agency is a relief since it handles everything on your behalf, right from paperwork, to submission of documents, among others.
Easy International Operation: It can even be hugely cumbersome when applying from another country because of various rules, the time taken in mailing, and language issues would always arise. An agency remains as a professional medium to help in the international process to ensure timely submission and follow-ups.
Peace of Mind: However, the most obvious benefit of working with an authorized agency would probably be the fact that the cooperation is secure. This is very important to know because it lets you know that your application is handled by professionals, therefore it can’t have some mistakes, it won’t be delayed and important steps can’t be skipped. It frees you to work on what you need to do most by taking care of the specifics for you.
Conclusion
Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate from Malaysia can sometimes be rather confusing which if done individually makes it very difficult. But, if you follow the described above steps and decide to address a private authorized agency, the overall process will become quite simple and free from stress. It saves your time, does not cause any delays, and you can be sure that your application is in the hands of the specialist.
