For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a Saudi Police Clearance—often referred to as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or Sajil—is a critical document. Whether for migration to a third country (like Canada, Australia, or the USA) or for specific employment requirements, obtaining this document after you have already left the Kingdom requires navigating a specific intersection of Philippine and Saudi administrative laws.
Below is a comprehensive guide on the legal and procedural steps required to secure a Saudi PCC while residing in the Philippines.
I. Legal Context and Necessity
Under Saudi Arabian law, a Police Clearance Certificate is the official document that proves an individual has no criminal record within the Kingdom. For Filipinos, this is usually required by foreign embassies during visa processing to ensure the applicant’s "good moral character" during their stay abroad.
Because the applicant is no longer physically present in KSA, the process relies on the Legalization of Documents framework and cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
II. The Two Primary Avenues
There are generally two ways to initiate this request from the Philippines:
- Through the Saudi Embassy in Manila: The most direct route for those already in the Philippines.
- Through the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh/Consulate in Jeddah: Used primarily if you have a representative (Special Power of Attorney) still in the Kingdom who can process it on your behalf.
III. Documentary Requirements
Before proceeding, you must gather the following documents. Failure to provide exact matches to your previous Saudi records (Iqama) can result in a rejection.
- Fingerprint Card (NBI Form No. 5): You must obtain this from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). This is the foundational document.
- Valid Philippine Passport: Original and photocopies (including the page with the Saudi exit visa).
- Copy of Saudi Residence Permit (Iqama): Even if expired, this is vital for record-matching.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photos: Usually white background, (2x2).
- Letter of Request: A formal letter addressed to the Saudi Police explaining why you need the clearance (e.g., "For Canadian Immigration purposes").
- Proof of Previous Employment: Copies of old contracts or certificates of employment (optional but helpful).
IV. Step-by-Step Procedural Guide
Step 1: Secure the NBI Fingerprint Card
Visit the NBI Clearance Center (Main Office in UN Avenue is preferred for international requests). Request NBI Form No. 5. A trained technician will take your manual fingerprints. Ensure the form is filled out clearly and bears the NBI’s official seal.
Step 2: DFA Authentication (Apostille/Certification)
The NBI Fingerprint Card must be "authenticated" by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Since Saudi Arabia is now a member of the Apostille Convention, the DFA will attach an Apostille certificate to your NBI form, verifying the Filipino official's signature.
Step 3: Saudi Embassy Attestation
Take the DFA-authenticated fingerprint card to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (RESA) in Makati City. They must attest the document to signify that the Saudi government recognizes the fingerprints taken in the Philippines.
Note: You may be required to use an accredited liaison/agency for this step, as the Saudi Embassy often does not accept "walk-in" individual applications for certain consular services.
Step 4: Transmittal to KSA
Once the Saudi Embassy in Manila stamps your papers, the documents must be sent to Saudi Arabia.
- Option A: Send the documents to a friend or relative in KSA. You must provide them with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), also authenticated by the DFA, authorizing them to represent you at the Police Station (Ad-Deerah or the Criminal Evidence Department).
- Option B: In some instances, the Saudi Embassy in Manila may facilitate the request internally, though this is significantly slower and less common than using a private representative in the Kingdom.
Step 5: Issuance and Final Attestation
Once the Saudi Police process the fingerprints against their database, they will issue the PCC. For this document to be valid for use in the Philippines or a third country, it must be:
- Certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Authenticated by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh/Jeddah (if it is to be used for Philippine legal purposes).
V. Important Legal Considerations
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Iqama Status | It is nearly impossible to get a PCC if you have a "Runaway" (Huroob) status or an active criminal case/unpaid debt in the Kingdom. |
| Validity | Saudi Police Clearances are typically valid for only six (6) months from the date of issuance. |
| Translation | The certificate is usually issued in Arabic. You will likely need a certified English translation from a translator accredited by the DFA or the Saudi government. |
| Timeline | Expect the process to take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the courier speed and the workload of the Saudi Criminal Evidence Department. |
VI. Conclusion
Applying for a Saudi Police Clearance from the Philippines is a multi-jurisdictional process that requires precision. The burden of proof lies with the applicant to provide clear fingerprints and valid identification that matches the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s database. It is highly recommended to maintain digital copies of all previous Saudi documents (Iqama and Visa) to expedite the verification process at the NBI and the Saudi Embassy.