Diploma Fraud in Singapore
As digital advancements impact our working and personal lives for the better - there is also the potential for exploitation in the hands of the wrong people. Several websites are appearing across the web which sell fake, cheap diplomas accessible by anyone. This presents a challenge for employers as hiring workers with forged credentials exposes a business to significant reputational and financial risk. To avoid hiring candidates with phony academic credentials, businesses must conduct rigorous screening to outwit the diploma mills.
There have been numerous cases of candidates using fake diplomas in Singapore, one of the most recent incidents reported came from a 31 year old Singaporean that was jailed after pleading guilty to forging documents.
In addition, in an article published by a leading asian news publication, it was reported that:
“MOM said in the last five years, an average of 660 foreigners have been permanently barred each year from working in Singapore for submitting fake education qualifications in their work pass applications.
Over the same period, an average of eight foreigners each year were convicted and penalised by the courts for false declarations of educational qualifications.“
The impact of Diploma Fraud on Companies and Schools
Hiring deceptive candidates with forged degrees, is first and foremost a hiring error that will most likely negatively affect the performance of the team and the firm as a whole, which will increase attrition. Furthermore, it's possible that the candidate may be more inclined to follow such unethical habits in the workplace in the future. The company's integrity and reputation are also on the line, not to mention the safety and security of their colleagues, the public and any stakeholders in the organization . But take note: if the information on the CV is not vetted and the deception is discovered after employment, the employer is the one at fault and responsible.
In addition, the reputation of the school as well as the entire educational system may suffer as a result of fake degrees/diplomas. The actual credentials and degrees from the universities involved in the employment process are thus called into question. Additionally, in order to verify the legitimacy of a former student's diploma, recruiters who are aware of diploma fraud must get in touch with the training organizations in question or request official documents, which typically adds a significant administrative burden during the enrollment process.
Verified Educational Credentials
Each time a Singaporean company brings in foreign talent, it must ensure the authenticity of the individual and their professional credentials adhers to the rules set forth by the Singapore government. Verified educational credentials provide the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) the assurance that the school where your employee/individual candidate studied and the course they took were accredited, and that the credentials are real. This gives the government organization confidence that they are employing top individuals.
Who Needs Education Proof?
Foreign nationals in Singapore who are seeking for initial and renewal Employment Passes, S Passes, and Training Employment Passes must submit additional educational document verification criteria which is a verification proof, according to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Singaporean employers are in charge of making sure that the credentials of their applicants are valid and were granted by recognized organizations. The verification proof must confirm that the credentials are real and came from recognized institutes. At the same time, it must be issued from an accredited institution by MOM.
Singaporean employers are required to ensure their employees have their educational credentials verified and authenticated as necessary before applying for their first and renewal Employment Passes, S Passes, and Training Employment Passes.
Companies and foreign workers should allow extra time for the verification process when planning their work authorization timelines for new and renewal applications because it might take up to one month (or more in some situations). Veremark offers support for the education verification process as well as help with verifying the institution’s accreditation to which the degree or diploma was obtained.
Veremark - MOM Accredited Background Screening Company for Education Verification Proof
To support their work permit applications, candidates who have tertiary degrees from colleges and universities that aren't on the MOM's default drop-down list and applicants whose higher education institution is not on the MOM's normal drop-down list must now provide documentation of their academic qualifications from global verification organizations.
To determine whether foreign nationals are eligible for work permits, MOM depends on the investigation and conclusions of its recognized worldwide verification organizations. A major aspect of this examination is to guarantee that foreigner credentials are real and provided by recognized organizations.
In order to make sure we receive the correct information and that the verification is carried out properly, our verification agency staff closely collaborates with applicants. We are always open to applicants supplying us with further information so we may look into a situation further if records cannot be located or something doesn't line up.
MOM has selected Veremark as an accredited background screening company for issuing Education Verification Proof in Singapore. We are thrilled to be recognized as a provider of thorough and accurate qualification verifications. We are dedicated to assisting all of our clients in hiring more quickly and securely while ensuring that your prospects actually possess the credentials they claim to have.
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