The transfer of criminal record management from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Public Security is underway to ensure efficiency and transparency in issuing criminal record certificates. This marks a significant step in administrative reform, meeting the growing demands of citizens.
The Process of Transferring Criminal Record Management
Under the direction of the Government Steering Committee, the task of managing criminal records and providing public services for issuing criminal record certificates will be transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Public Security. Specifically, the Department of Justice in provinces and centrally governed cities will hand over this responsibility to provincial-level police departments.
To ensure no disruption in addressing citizens’ requests for criminal record certificates, Deputy Minister Mai Luong Khoi emphasized the role of local authorities in continuing to maintain database development and certificate issuance as per current regulations. “The issuance of criminal record certificates will not be interrupted during the transition period,” Mr. Khoi affirmed.
Local Departments of Justice will closely coordinate with provincial police departments to prepare the necessary conditions for transferring all functions and tasks related to criminal record management. This includes the certificate issuance system, databases, documents, and related procedures.
Value and Importance of Criminal Record Certificates
Criminal record certificates issued by agencies managing criminal record databases serve to prove whether an individual has a criminal record or is prohibited from holding certain positions, establishing, or managing businesses and cooperatives in cases of bankruptcy. Currently, there are two types of criminal record certificates:
- Criminal Record Certificate Type 1: Issued to individuals, agencies, and organizations as stipulated in Clauses 1 and 3, Article 7 of the 2009 Law on Criminal Records.
- Criminal Record Certificate Type 2: Issued to investigative agencies and upon individual request to help them understand their criminal record status.
In recent years, public dissatisfaction arose due to the excessive requirement for criminal record certificates, particularly in sectors like ride-hailing services (e.g., Grab) or job applications in industrial zones. However, the pilot expansion of issuing criminal record certificates via the VNeID app from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, has significantly improved citizens’ experiences. To date, all 63 provinces and cities have successfully implemented this model.
Conclusion and Outlook
The transfer of criminal record management from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Public Security not only streamlines administrative structures but also enhances service quality for citizens. Close collaboration among relevant parties will ensure a smooth transition without affecting citizens’ rights.
For more detailed information on procedures and related processes, readers can refer to official sources or contact local police authorities directly.
Source: Dân Trí Newspaper
