Fake Certificates Lead to Criminal Charges and Dismissal

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Lawyer Manal Dhahi warned that submitting or using a forged academic certificate to obtain employment or career-related benefits is a criminal offence under Bahraini law and constitutes legal grounds for an employer to terminate an employee’s contract immediately without notice or compensation.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dhahi said Bahrain’s legislators have placed significant emphasis on safeguarding the integrity of the labour market by combating fraud and deception, particularly the use of fake academic qualifications. She noted that such practices not only harm employers but also undermine the rights of genuinely qualified individuals and erode confidence in academic credentials.

Dhahi explained that Article 271 of Bahrain’s Penal Code stipulates that forgery of an official document is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years. Forgery of private documents is also a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence, while anyone who knowingly uses a forged document is equally liable under the law.

She added that Bahrain’s Labour Law for the Private Sector also provides legal protection to employers. Under Article 107, an employer may terminate an employee’s contract without notice or compensation if the employee assumes a false identity or submits forged certificates or recommendations.

According to Dhahi, the combined provisions of the Penal Code and Labour Law make it clear that presenting a forged academic certificate may result not only in immediate dismissal but also in criminal prosecution and the penalties prescribed by law. This, she said, reflects Bahrain’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the workplace and upholding the principles of merit and fairness.

She further stressed that the relevant authorities in Bahrain continue to verify the authenticity of academic qualifications and pursue legal action against anyone found to have submitted or used forged certificates. She added that ensuring the credibility of academic credentials is a shared responsibility between the competent authorities and employers, helping protect institutions, safeguard the rights of qualified professionals, and ensure that genuine educational qualifications remain the foundation for employment in the Kingdom.