Police Clearance for OFWs Abroad
Police Clearance for OFWs Abroad: Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who seek employment abroad, a visa, or residency are required to submit a Police Clearance. NBI clearances are usually required by foreign companies and embassies rather than police clearances. NBI Clearances allow for a nationwide review of criminal records for any individual.
This guide will show the differences between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance. It will also explain how OFWs can obtain these documents, and which one is necessary for working or settling abroad.
Police Clearance VS NBI Clearance – Which One Do OFWs Need?
In order to apply for a police clearance, OFWs must understand the difference between a police clearance and a NBI clearance. They must also understand which is suitable for OFWs:
| Feature | Police Clearance | NBI Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Philippine National Police (PNP) | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) |
| Coverage | Local (City/Municipality) | Nationwide |
| Purpose | Local employment, business permits, minor transactions | Employment abroad, visa applications, immigration purposes |
| Validity | Typically valid for six months | Valid for six months to a year |
The NBI clearance is required by some foreign employers and immigration offices, whereas the police clearance is accepted by others. Due to the fact that it is more comprehensive and covers the whole country, it provides a more comprehensive background check. Make sure the employer or embassy understands the requirement.
Why Do OFWs Need Police Clearance?
OFWs can need a Police Clearance or NBI Clearance for various reasons, including:
- Employment abroad: Some international employers require background checks before hiring workers.
- Visa or Work Permit Applications: Some countries require a clean criminal record for visa approval.
- Residency or Citizenship Applications: Individuals applying for permanent residency or citizenship abroad can need clearance.
- Legal Purposes: Some legal purposes require a Police Clearance to confirm identity or background.
Required Documents for Police Clearance for OFW’s
The following documents are required for OFWs to apply for a Police Clearance:
- ID issued by the government (Philippine passport, UMID, driver’s license, or similar).
- Application form (varies by city/municipality or consulate).
- Recent 2×2 ID photos (white background).
- Police clearance payment fee (varies by location).
For NBI Clearance, additional requirements include:
- NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5 (from the Philippine embassy and consulate)
- Fingerprint card (must be done at a Philippine embassy, consulate, or local police station)
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if a representative processes the application in the Philippines.
How to Apply for Police Clearance as an OFW?
Method 1: Apply to the Philippines
A PNP Station can issue a Police Clearance to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is currently in the Philippines:
- Clearance facilities are available at most PNP stations.
- Present a valid ID and complete the application form.
- Have biometrics and photos taken for clearance.
- Pay the required fee (varies per city/municipality).
- Wait for processing and clearance.
Method 2: Applying from abroad
OFWs who are already abroad can obtain a Police Clearance from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate:
- Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the host country.
- Request Police Clearance and submit the required documents.
- Fingerprint (can be done at the consulate or a local police station).
- Pay the processing fee and apply.
- Please wait for the clearance (some embassies send it to the Philippines for processing).
How to Get a NBI Clearance as an OFW?
Since most OFWs need an NBI clearance, here’s how to get one while abroad:
- Apply through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Request for the NBI Clearance Application Form at the Philippine Embassy.
- Complete the form and have your fingerprints taken at the consulate or local police station.
- Send the application to a representative in the Philippines (with a Special Power of Attorney).
- In the Philippines, the representative applies to the NBI Office.
- Once processed, the NBI Clearance is sent back to the OFW abroad.
Fees and Processing Time
- Document Fee Processing Time
- Police Clearance PHP 150-1 day (in the Philippines), 2–4 weeks (abroad)
- NBI Clearance PHP 130 + PHP 25 service fee 3–7 working days (in the Philippines), 4–6 weeks (abroad)
How to Verify and Authenticate Police Clearance for OFWs?
Some employers or embassies require police clearance authentication. Here’s how:
- DFA Apostille Authentication: The clearance must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines for apostille certification.
- Embassy or Consulate Authentication: Some employers can require additional authentication from the Philippine Embassy abroad.
Conclusion
OFWs who wish to apply for jobs abroad, obtain visas, or establish residency abroad must have a Police Clearance or NBI Clearance. NBI Clearance, however, is a nationwide criminal records check, whereas Police Clearance is a local document.
To prevent delays, OFWs should verify their employer’s or embassy’s specific requirements and follow the correct application procedure. Whether applying to the Philippines or abroad, having the appropriate documents and understanding the process will ensure a smooth application.
