The Higher Education Council (HEC) has obliged people applying for equivalences of degrees obtained from abroad to provide a ‘Valid Residency Permit’ known as ‘Permis de Résidence’ instead of Attestation de Résidence (proof of residence) as part of a new move to curb the use of forged or illegal documents.

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A residency permit is a document or card required in some countries, allowing a foreign national to reside in a country for a fixed or indefinite period of time.

Attestation de Résidence (proof of residence) was being offered after the completion of studies and it is what applicants for equivalences used to present to HEC. However, HEC’s warning made public on Sunday, July 21, indicates that the document was being forged in different countries.

As such, the agency noted that a valid residency permit is required while applying for equivalences of qualifications.

Among others, HEC’s mandate includes the responsibility to issue equivalence certificates to foreign qualifications in form of degrees, diplomas and certificates obtained from different Universities or higher learning institutions from abroad.

"Reference is made to several inconsistencies and irregularities observed in academic documents (degrees and academic transcripts) and travel documents for the study period (Visa and Resident Permit) submitted for equivalences by the graduates from different awarding countries that have put HEC into quotes of doubt. The Higher Education Council would like to inform the general public that all applicants who declare that they do not have travel documents because they lived in different awarding countries, must provide a Valid Residency Permit or ‘Permis de Résidence’ instead of ‘Attestation de Résidence’ that is offered after the studies completion,” HEC said in an announcement.

The alert by HEC also noted that whoever is found using forged or illegal documents "will be punished by the law.”

"The Higher Education Council also reminds the general public to be more careful while applying for equivalences of their qualifications obtained from abroad,” it added.

The warning follows numerous complaints regarding the delays in obtaining equivalences for degrees obtained abroad by some students.

In February, HEC explained that the application process involves submitting documents through Irembo platform, and once accepted, it contacts the respective university to confirm the applicant's presence.

Delays, it said, often occur when universities take time to respond, causing applicants to perceive HEC as the cause of the delay

Incomplete or insufficient documents from the applicants also pose a challenge, with notifications sent through Irembo’s system for necessary corrections.

Another significant challenge involves schools in neighbouring countries being shut down, leading to doubts about claims of studying there.

The institution [HEC] pointed out cases of forgery, where applicants failed to obtain travel clearance and resorted to forging residence permits.

"Collaborating with other institutions, such cases may lead to investigations for the use of forged documents.”

One key challenge involves verifying the authenticity of degrees when immigration reports individuals as "never travelled” when they claimed to attend classes physically. This discrepancy prompts doubts, leading to further investigation, it is noted.