Police clearance certificate (PCC) South Africa is one of the documents required so as to immigrate, for employment in foreign countries or schooling in other countries. It acts as a document of your criminal record status and in most countries it is obligatory so as to eliminate candidates who have criminal records from gaining entry or visa.
Nonetheless, it is also important for the intending visitor from South Africa to note that the process of acquiring a PCC is a lengthy and cumbersome process if he or she has limited knowledge of the processes involved.
Due to time constraints, tensions, and potential blunders, people are paying private legal companies that focus on the PCC process. These agencies provide a fast and smooth process, guaranteeing the correct submission and filling out of your application.
Steps to Follow for PCC Application
To acquire a police clearance certificate from South Africa, the following steps which if correctly followed will result in the success of the application.
Application Submission: The first process before the granting of the police clearance certificate South Africa is to apply with the South African Police Service (SAPS). This involves submission of form and completing some form including personal data such as your name, date of birth and identity number.
Fingerprint Collection: An applicant for the issue of a PCC must provide a set of fingerprints, among other things. These can be done at any police station or else at some private fingerprinting services in some cases.
Payment of Fees: Again there is a charge when applying for a PCC and this has to be paid as the application is being made. The payment can be done by bank transfer, or the payment can be made personally at a given police station.
Processing Time: Occasionally after the submission of the application and fingerprints, there can be a time taken to process the application. The process usually ranges from six to eight weeks depending on the delay which may be caused by factors like provide of information, or the SAPS records backlog.
Receiving the Certificate: The PCC is processed afterward and can be picked up in person or sent via courier to the address indicated. As much as possible, all the information written in the certificate must be correct for there may be problems when applying for visas or some documents.
Some of the Hurdles in the PCC Process
The above-stated procedure may sound easy, but if indeed done it may be accompanied by several difficulties. Common issues include:
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Mistakes done in your application process, minor or major, will lead to the rejection of your PCC or take a longer time before it is processed. The verity and comprehensiveness of all information is a necessity.
Fingerprinting Issues: Fingerprints that are of low quality may be rejected by SAPS, meaning that one has to repeat the process, time and efforts are used up.
Lengthy Processing Times: A PCC cannot therefore be processed instantly, and this depends with the number of people at any given time applying for a license, existence of backlog at SAPS and many other factors. This uncertainty can be quite pressurizing to persons who have limited time within which they are expected to complete their tasks.
Navigating Bureaucracy: One might not be initially familiar with undertakings and complexities of the legal and bureaucratic environment in the republic of South Africa and as such getting acquainted with the requirements and compliance can be rather daunting.
Hiring a Private Legal Agency
Due to the various problems and stress that is involved, not to mention the complications of having to obtain a PCC many people opt to hire a private authorized PCC provider and fingerprinting agency to undergo through the process on their behalf. Here’s why this option is increasingly popular:
Expert Guidance: Private agencies focus on the ‘PCC application process and therefore they have an endearing understanding of the processes involved. This way, they give a professional opinion on whether your application contains accurate and complete data free from mistakes that would increase the time taken in processing the application.
Efficient Fingerprinting Services: Most private agencies provide fingerprinting service and they are always in a position to meet SAPS standards. This means that these services shall take your fingerprints to the desired standard to enhance the chances of not being rejected.
Time-Saving: Hiring the services of a private agency means that you will be spared the time that would otherwise be wasted. They handle all the paperwork and submission, follow-ups and hence enable you to do more planning and preparation in your re-location or different job interviews.
Streamlined Communication: The private agencies keep the SAPS and other necessary departments informed on your application so as to fast track the process. They also notify you of new updates or complications as and when they occur.
Peace of Mind: Of course, the most apparent advantage of using the services of a private agency is the possibility to stay calm. You have the added comfort of knowing that your application is in the hands of experts thereby eliminating the stress that follows the PCC.
Courier and Delivery Services: For the convenience of the applicant, private agencies use secure couriers to deliver the PCC at the applicant’s preferred address, either in the Philippines or another country. This puts an extra layer of convenience especially if you are already in a given country.
Conclusion
Applying for what is known as a police clearance certificate from the country of South Africa is one of the many procedures that many people have to go through in the hope of being able to work in another country. Although the process may take a while and may be quite a challenge, there is help in the form of a private authorized agency. Accompanied by professional advice, fast work as well as high degree of accuracy, these agencies provide a hassle-free and mistake-free experience to guarantee successful and timely PCC procurement.
