Those planning to migrate to another country, get a new job or admission to a university in another country may require a police certificate. You might need a PCC to guarantee you have not been involved in any criminal related activities. This character certificate from the Malawian Police Service shows that you have no criminal record or, if you have an arrest record, identifies the crimes for which you have been arrested.

In practice, it is possible to get a PCC easily but the process is time consuming, incorporates a lot of paperwork and coordination especially when in another country other than Malawi. It is a step by step guide on how to get a Malawian PCC with emphasis on using the services of a company that deals with such things as it will be easier and less stressful to undertake.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate from Malawi?

Police Clearance Certificate more commonly known as PCC in Malawi is a formal certificate that is issued by the Malawian Police Service. This is actually demanded most often by immigration authorities, schools, as well as employers in other countries. A PCC also guarantees the applicant complies with moral and legal requirements to gain access or be employed in a new country.

Procedure Associated with the Issuance of a Malawian PCC

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what the PCC process entails:

Collecting Required Documents

Start by gathering essential documents:

• Original and copies of valid passports of the participant (including a copy of the bio data page).
• National ID or any other ID acceptable depending on the requirements that may arise.
• Fresh print passport size photos
• Application form for the PCC successfully completed
• A set of fingerprints on the OIF (official fingerprint form)
• A document indicating payments for any fee that may be chargeable

Since all the documents are prepared in advance this does not cause any avoidable hold up.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprints are essential in PCC application and should be done on the formal fingerprint form. Should one be outside the country then it is advisable to go to an agent or embassy to get fingerprinting done.

Submitting the Application

After getting your fingerprints and documents, you should then have your application processed at the Malawian Police Service. This can be done in person, however if the person is in another country, it can be posted or couriered but must meet certain procedures for foreign applications. This is where an authorized agency could come in handy, to spare the individual all the trouble of trying to work everything out on his own.

Waiting for Processing

The application review may take from several weeks to several months at most if the Malawian Police Service is busy, and if all the documents submitted do not meet the requirements. The time taken to have the document processed can sometimes take time and sometimes since you don’t have local support it can be challenging to get a follow up.

Receiving the PCC

Having your PCC issued by the Malawian Police Service, you either pick the document up yourself or wait for it to be delivered to the address you provide. If you are in the other part of the world, working with an agency will help to have the PCC delivered to you without the problems of mailing internationally.

Why Should Someone Hire a Private Authorized Agency?

Although you can do all these on your own, sometimes it is beneficial to engage the service of a private authorized agency. Here’s why:

Service of Professional Counselling and Professional Consultancy

There are several authorities on PCC application, and they offer their services to support the applicant through the course. They are fully aware of the necessary documents, how to draft them and how to facilitate their correct filing. This expertise cuts out the possibilities of errors in application that would take time or may deny the approval completely.

Saving Time and Energy

It takes a long time to apply for a PCC independently if you have to deal with an MSP from a different country. An agency can accomplish this for you, and as such, you would not have to shift between different time zones or end up chasing the lead generation company for a long duration.

Reducing the Risk of Errors

If the slightest error is made in your PCC application, chances are, the application will be denied or it will take an eternity to get approval. It minimizes chances of delay since all authorized agencies do double checks on all documents. They help to eliminate as much possibility for error as possible concerning your fingerprint form, your passport copy, and other corresponding documentation.

Constant Updates and Support

To manage the status of your application on your own can be tiring and tiring, especially for candidates from outside Malawi. Agencies offer status updates, and therefore you do not have to wait for long to receive your certificate. In case more documents are required by Malawian Police Service, your agency shall inform you accordingly and help you in resubmission.

Secure Document Handling

Sending papers which contain sensitive information around the world is also insecure. In a case involving your PCC application, authorized agencies take care of your fingerprints, photos or any other information that you provide to them. Some agencies even provide tracking information of your PCC’s delivery so that you do not have to bother whether it is reaching your hands or not safely.

Ease for the International Candidates

If you are outside of the country, having an agency is very beneficial. In addition to that, they can help you with the fingerprinting process, handling your communication with local authorities, and submit your applications appropriately throughout the process without the need for you to go back to Malawi.

Conclusion

When taking a Police Clearance Certificate from Malawi the basic steps can be simple, however the documentation, application time and submission procedures cause so much headache to the applicants especially if they are outside the country. Compared to going it alone, with a private authorized agency, you will find the process much faster, get little to no mistakes made and you will continue to receive support even after the process is completed. Rest assured, by having an expert team work behind the scenes, you won’t have any fuss securing your PCC and can now move on to the next phase of your journey.