Some applicants must request security code for police clearances

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Some foreign embassies in Venezuela are requesting that police clearances issued by Venezuelan authorities contain a validation code for additional security.

What does the change mean? Citizens of Nigeria and Angola requesting Venezuelan police clearances should not apply for standard police clearances and should put in a special request that the Ministry of Interior stamp their police clearances with a unique bar code. The practice may be adopted by other embassies.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Police clearance certificates.
• Who is affected: Companies and foreign employees seeking police clearance certificates.
• Impact on processing times: The request for a unique validation code may require additional time.
• Business impact: BAL can assist companies seeking Venezuelan police clearances for Nigerian and Angolan employees to obtain the validation code.

Background: The Ministry of Interior issues police clearance certificates either in standard form or with a validation code. The validation code that appears as a bar code on the document is a security measure to prevent fraud.

BAL Analysis: Affected nationals should allow more time to obtain the additional validation code. Other nationals should check with their BAL team to determine if their embassies are also requesting the code.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Venezuela. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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