The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) is drafting a new regulation to allow courses approved in the Maldives to be conducted abroad under official authorisation, as part of efforts to curb unauthorised programmes and protect the integrity of local qualifications.

Currently, it is prohibited to offer MQA-approved courses at foreign institutions without prior authorisation. However, MQA has observed instances of such courses being conducted abroad without approval. MQA CEO Mariyam Fizana Rasheed said individuals involved in these unauthorised activities are being cautioned, and that appropriate action will be taken against violators.

The proposed regulation aims to streamline and regulate the process of delivering Maldivian-approved courses overseas. A draft of the regulation has already been submitted.

According to Fizana, courses would only be permitted at institutions recognised by MQA and must first receive official approval. She warned that conducting courses abroad without permission could result in serious complications.

In addition to tackling unauthorised courses, Fizana also raised concerns over the growing issue of forged academic certificates. So far this year, five cases have been reported to the police, with nine similar cases recorded in the previous year. She expressed frustration that, although these incidents are reported, investigations are often delayed.