The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has officially become the sole authority empowered to attest certificates, a move aimed at tackling the growing problem of fake qualifications in the country. Previously, certificates issued by state organizations could also be attested by lawyers and law firms, a loophole that contributed to widespread forgery.
In a newly released guideline, MQA clarified that only the authority itself can validate and stamp documents, including:
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Copies of certificates
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Assessment report copies
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Documentation for Recognition of the Intended Program
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Copies of foreign certificates approved by the MQA
A small fee between MVR 10 and MVR 20 will be required for these attestations.
CEO Fizana Rasheed Highlights Need for Change
Speaking at a press conference, MQA CEO Fizana Rasheed emphasized the importance of centralizing attestation under the authority.
“Only MQA will be attesting documents that are issued by us. No other organization or individual is authorized to do this,” she stated. “We’re aware that people are asking whether they need to travel to Malé for attestation. Currently, documents are issued from Malé, and attestation will follow the same process.”
Fizana also confirmed that a digital portal is being developed to make the attestation process more convenient for applicants.
Scope of Attestation and Exceptions
Under the new guideline, only documents released by MQA can be attested by the authority. Certificates from Maldivian universities and colleges that have been approved or cleared by MQA do not require additional attestation. This measure ensures that the verification process is streamlined and focuses on preventing fraudulent certificates from entering the system.
Rising Cases of Forged Certificates
Over the past six years, the MQA has recorded 19 cases of forged certificates, with a significant increase in recent years. Last year alone, 11 cases were reported, and eight more have already surfaced this year. Many cases involved repeated attempts to submit fake documents.
“Some fake certificates are even being stamped at photocopy shops, and trust in lawyers attesting documents has declined,” Fizana noted. “In many cases, it’s just the person behind the counter signing off. How can we rely on that?”
Common Areas Targeted by Forgery
According to MQA, fake certificates have most frequently appeared in the following fields:
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International Air Transport Association (IATA) certifications
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Early Childhood Education (ECE)
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Business Administration
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Law
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Accounting
Fizana also highlighted concerns about the slow pace of police investigations into these cases. “Even when cases are reported, the resolution drags on. Those using fake certificates continue moving between jobs, perpetuating the cycle,” she explained.
Immediate Measures and Future Plans
To address the issue promptly, MQA has introduced the mandatory stamping rule while the digital verification portal is still under development.
“We couldn’t wait for the portal to be ready. This attestation rule is an immediate step to curb the circulation of fake certificates,” Fizana said.
By centralizing verification and attestation, MQA aims to restore confidence in educational credentials and reduce fraudulent activities in the Maldives.
