AccessNI checks for overseas applicants
Checking an applicant's overseas criminal record and their right to work in the UK.
AccessNI cannot normally access criminal records held in other countries (with the exception of 12 EU countries), but it is possible to submit an application while the applicant is overseas. In a small number of cases, overseas criminal records are held on the Police National Computer, and these would be revealed as part of an AccessNI check. An applicant from overseas will still be required to create an nidirect account, upload identity documents, and a selfie to facilitate the nidirect identity validation.
As AccessNI cannot access criminal records from other countries, an AccessNI check may not provide a complete picture of an individual's criminal record.
How to check overseas applicants
If you are recruiting people from overseas and wish to check their overseas criminal record, you should contact the embassy or High Commission of the country in question.
You can also contact the FCO Response Centre Helpline on Tel 020 7008 1500.
If the foreign check needs translating, the embassy of the country concerned may be able to help.
AccessNI is not involved in the processing of applications made by individuals to overseas authorities and will not be responsible for the contents or the length of time taken for information to be returned.
Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Certificates of good conduct
You can try to obtain a certificate of good conduct and any other references from potential overseas employees. The standard of foreign police checks varies. To find out the standard, you should contact either the authorities in a particular country or their embassy.
Either you or the employee should obtain a certified translation of the certificate of good conduct. AccessNI does not offer a translation service.
Checking an applicant's right to work in the UK
AccessNI does not check whether an applicant is permitted to work in the UK. The employer is responsible for ensuring employees have the right to work within the UK.
National Protective Security Authority
The National Protective Security Authority helps organisations understand the range of threats they and the UK face and what they can do to minimise their risk through their day-to-day operations. See employment screening.