Move to Verify Degrees of Expats Approved by MPs

Bahrain’s MPs have approved two complementary proposals aimed at strengthening oversight of academic qualifications held by expatriates working in both the public and private sectors. The move comes amid rising concerns over forged university degrees and the potential risks they pose to public safety and institutional credibility.

The approved measures seek to establish clearer mechanisms for verifying foreign academic certificates, ensuring that qualifications presented by expatriate workers are authentic and meet recognised standards. Lawmakers stressed that the initiative is not intended to target expatriates unfairly, but rather to safeguard professional integrity across key sectors.

MPs highlighted that forged or unverified degrees can have serious consequences, particularly in sensitive fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and public administration, where unqualified individuals could put lives and public trust at risk.

Under the proposals, relevant authorities would be tasked with enhancing coordination and introducing stricter checks during recruitment and licensing processes. This includes closer collaboration with educational institutions, accreditation bodies, and international verification services.

Supporters of the move said the measures would help create a more transparent and competitive labour market, protect qualified professionals, and reinforce Bahrain’s reputation as a well-regulated and trustworthy business environment.

The proposals will now proceed through the next stages of the legislative process for further review and implementation planning.