Government Removes Expungement Application Fees
The Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs (MDAHA) advises the public that Cabinet has approved the Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) (Application for Expungement) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which removes the current CI$25 application fee for expungement applications and declarations of expungement.
The change removes the requirement for eligible applicants to pay a non-refundable fee when seeking to have an eligible criminal record expunged or when applying for a declaration of expungement. The amendment repeals the fee requirements currently contained in the Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) (Application for Expungement) Regulations, 2018.
The Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) Act provides a legal pathway for certain convictions to become spent after prescribed rehabilitation periods, subject to the criteria set out in the law. Once eligible convictions become spent, persons may apply for expungement of the relevant criminal record, helping to reduce barriers to employment, education, social participation, and reintegration into the community.
This amendment advances the rehabilitative purpose of the legislation by ensuring that access to expungement is not discouraged by modest but meaningful financial barriers. Persons applying for expungement may already face economic hardship, social stigma, and reduced employment opportunities. Removing the fee makes the process simpler, more accessible, and more aligned in supporting lawful second chances.
The Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, JP, MP, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, said, “The amendment reflects a people-focused approach to rehabilitation and reintegration. It’s a simple but meaningful change. If a person is eligible under the law and has taken the necessary steps toward rehabilitation, a small application fee should not stand in the way of their progress. By removing this barrier, we are supporting fairness, dignity, and increased access to opportunities for people seeking to rebuild their lives and positively contribute to our community.”
The Minister added that the change is also consistent with the Government’s wider commitment to healthier, empowered communities. “This is about delivering now and preparing for tomorrow,” he said. “When we make rehabilitation more accessible, we strengthen families, reduce barriers to employment, and support safer, more resilient communities. It is a practical reform that reflects compassion, common sense, and confidence in the power of second chances.”
The amendment is also expected to improve administrative efficiency. Under the previous process, applicants were required to make payment through a separate government channel, obtain proof of payment, and submit that receipt with their application. Removing the fee eliminates unnecessary steps for both applicants and administrators.
Based on historic application volumes, approximately 40 expungement-related applications are received annually. At CI$25 per application, the estimated annual revenue impact is approximately CI$1,000, which is considered minimal relative to the public benefit of reducing barriers to reintegration.
In the short term, the change will make the expungement process more affordable and accessible for eligible applicants. In the medium term, improved access to expungement can help more individuals pursue employment, education, and other opportunities by reducing barriers linked to past convictions. Over time, the amendment will support rehabilitation, reintegration, and stronger communities by helping eligible persons progress and contribute positively to Caymanian society.
All existing legal eligibility requirements remain in place. The removal of the fee does not change which convictions qualify for expungement, the role of the Expungement Board, or the legal criteria that must be satisfied. It simply removes the application cost for eligible persons seeking to access the process.
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