Disclosure period for criminal records revised to three years

Ministry of Home Affairs has revised the disclosure period for criminal records to three years.

In a new regulation publicized by the Ministry on the guidelines to maintain and issue police records – the Ministry has stated that the disclosure period for criminal records is set to three years.

Hence, as per the new regulation when an individual requests for a police certification – the convictions disclosed in the certificate would be dating back to three years from the date of the application for the certificate.

However, if a specified time period is stated in the application – the convictions within this time period can be disclosed in the certification.

If the applicant believes that information provided in the certification is wrong – they may file a case with the Police for its review. The request must be submitted through a written document which should specify which specific content on the certification is wrong and also why.

Felony records or an equivalent will be maintained by the Police for a period of eight years before they are erased. Misdemeanor records or an equivalent will be maintained by the Police for a period of three years before they are erased.

Prior to erasing the records – it will be checked as to whether the case is ongoing at any lower courts or appellate courts. If the case happens to be ongoing, the record will be untouched until there is a decision by the court.

Prior to this, the disclosure period for criminal records was set to five years.