A5.5 Character checks

Immigration Regulations 1999 4(g), 6(2)(a), 10(h), 13(2)(a)

1. Character checks must be carried out for the following categories of applicant:
   1. those aged 17 and over applying for residence, and
   2. those aged 17 and over applying for temporary entry for 24 months or longer, and
   3. other applicants for temporary entry who warrant a character check if the visa or immigration officer decides it is necessary.
2. It is a mandatory requirement (see R2.40) for applicants for residence aged 17 and over to obtain a police or similar certificate from:
   1. the applicant's country of citizenship, and
   2. each country in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (but see A5.10.1).
3. If required (see E6.5) applicants aged 17 and over applying for temporary entry must obtain a police or similar certificate from:
   1. their country of citizenship, and
   2. from any country in which they have lived for 5 or more years since attaining the age of 17 years.

A5.5.1 United Nations International Criminal Tribunal

A United Nations International Criminal Tribunal presently sits in the Hague for the investigation into, and prosecution of, war criminality in the former Yugoslavia. Character checks will include, where necessary, screening by this Tribunal, and any subsequent criminal tribunals established by the United Nations, to ensure applicants for residence visas or permits meet the relevant character requirements (see Z4.1.10).

Effective 30/06/2003