Cabinet has approved a review of the law to remove convictions and criminal records on minor offences that are more than 10 years old.
The offences include infractions, misdemeanours, petty theft, small-scale property damage, curfew breaches, traffic offences- driving under the influence.
These will be only in the instance where the offenders are rehabilitated individuals.
A Cabinet statement said this review is aimed to improve employment and visa application opportunities while maintaining public safety and aligning with international rehabilitation standards.
“The Rehabilitation of Offenders (Irrelevant Convictions) Act 1997 (Part 2), prohibits unlawful discrimination against individuals with irrelevant convictions,” said the statement.
“Individuals with expired irrelevant convictions are eligible to obtain certificates that exempt them from disclosing such records within the country.”
“While this provision facilitates reintegration and reduces barriers to employment and social participation locally, the effectiveness of these certificates is limited, as they are not recognised internationally.”
Cabinet said the legislative review will seek to allow for the non-disclosure of convictions older than ten years and minor offenses as “irrelevant” for visa and employment screening.
