At Global Visa Management, we believe no one should be held back forever by something they’ve already faced the consequences for. That’s where criminal record removal and expungement come in.
“I lost a job offer because of a record I didn’t even know still existed.”
We hear this story more often than you’d expect. One of our clients — let’s call him Sizwe — applied for a job abroad. Everything was in order until his Police Clearance Certificate revealed a minor conviction from over a decade ago. It was a mistake he’d paid for and moved on from, yet that single line on a report cost him a career opportunity.
If you’re living with a record that’s limiting your future — whether it’s work, travel, immigration, or even adoption — this page will guide you through how to clear your name legally and permanently.
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. The difference lies in how your record is cleared and who handles the process.
This is an administrative process managed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Department of Justice.
It allows certain individuals to have their criminal record removed from the police database — usually after ten years, provided there have been no further convictions.
It’s ideal for people who committed minor offences, paid their fines, and have since lived crime-free.
Think of it as the system acknowledging that you’ve moved on and deserve a clean slate.
Expungement, on the other hand, is a legal process that goes a step further.
It’s handled by the Department of Justice, and once approved, your conviction is formally erased from official records — as if it never existed.
After expungement, your name will no longer appear on background checks, and your Police Clearance Certificate will come back clean.
Keep in mind, peak seasons and embassy holidays can cause delays, so it’s best to start early.
You may qualify for criminal record removal if:
It’s been 10 years or more since your conviction.
You haven’t been convicted of any other offence during that time.
Your sentence was a fine, suspended sentence, or correctional supervision (not imprisonment without the option of a fine).
The offence was minor — for example, drunk driving, petty theft, or public disturbance.
You may qualify for expungement if:
The case against you was withdrawn, dismissed, or you were acquitted.
You received a minor sentence, such as a small fine or warning.
You’ve completed your sentence and fulfilled all related conditions.
You need a clean record for work, travel, immigration, or adoption purposes.
If you’re unsure, we’ll help assess your record and advise whether you qualify.
Clearing your name isn’t as complicated as it sounds — but it does require the right paperwork and patience. Here’s how each process generally works:
Start by requesting your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to confirm what’s still on your record.
If it’s been at least 10 years since your conviction and you’ve had no further offences, you’re likely eligible.
You’ll need a certified copy of your ID, PCC, and a completed application form for expungement or removal (depending on your case).
Send your application to the Director-General of the Department of Justice. The Department will verify your eligibility with SAPS.
Once approved, SAPS will update their criminal record system, and your name will no longer appear on future Police Clearance Certificates.
Typically between 3 to 6 months, depending on volume and verification times.
Many people confuse expungement with a Presidential Pardon—but the two are very different:
At Global Visa Management, we focus on expungement because it’s more widely accessible and recognised internationally.
A criminal record doesn’t just sit quietly in the background — it follows you.
Even a minor offence from years ago can surface at the worst possible moment, limiting your opportunities in ways you might not expect.
Here’s why clearing your record can make a real difference:
Even a minor offence—like a fine for possession or theft under R500—can block life-changing opportunities. You’ve done the time, paid the fine; now it’s time to move on.
Criminal record removal applications involve a lot of red tape. The paperwork, timelines, and official processes can get overwhelming—and one mistake could cause months of delay. That’s where Global Visa Management comes in.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully remove or expunge their criminal record. Our team understands exactly how SAPS, the Department of Justice, and embassies operate — so you won’t waste time on trial and error.
We assist with everything: certified documents, court records, and forms.
From confirming your eligibility to submitting your final documents, we’ll guide you through every requirement and keep you updated along the way. No confusing legal language, no guesswork.
Once cleared, we help you get an updated Police Clearance Certificate—clean and ready for international use.
We understand that timing matters — especially when a job offer, visa, or travel deadline is on the line. Our close coordination with relevant departments helps us streamline the process and deliver results in 6 - 8 weeks.
Your privacy matters. All personal information and documents are handled with strict confidentiality and processed securely.
Today, all four are living new chapters—thanks to timely record clearance.
If you’re applying for criminal record removal, chances are you’ll also need:
We bundle these services so you don’t have to run around chasing documents. Don’t delay!
You’ve taken responsibility. You’ve done the time. Now it’s time to reclaim your future. Whether you need expungement & criminal record removal for a job, a visa, or peace of mind—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Global Visa Management Group is an internal managing company that assists with supplying services to our brands.
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