Police clearance certificate will now be called as Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offenses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The name of the police clearance certificate issued in the state including employment will now be changed to Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offenses. From now on, such certificates for foreign employment will be issued jointly by the Bureau of Immigration and the Passport Department of the Central Intelligence Agency. Regional Passport Officers will also be responsible for this. This certificate is mandatory for all visas except visiting visas.

The High Court had ruled that neither the state nor the police have the power to issue a certificate of character of a citizen for foreign employment and that it is the responsibility of the Central Government. The order also states that the police clearance certificate falls within the ambit of the Passport Act. Based on this, DGP Anil Kant issued a circular stating that police clearance certificate need not be issued for foreign employment and other foreign purposes. The certificate issued by the police can now be used only for purposes within the state.

The application can be submitted to the District Police Chief or Station House Officers. The fee is 500 rupees.