YaHind.Com News Desk
A 66-year-old Indian engineer was detained at a Saudi airport after completing a Hajj pilgrimage, accused of submitting a forged engineering degree certificate 30 years ago when he began working in Saudi Arabia. The engineer, whose identity remains undisclosed, had been employed in the Kingdom for 18 years before returning to India 12 years ago. Now in frail health and using a wheelchair, he is barred from leaving Saudi Arabia until the investigation into the alleged fake degree is resolved. Details about the specific airport or the university linked to the alleged forged degree have not been disclosed.
The arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), which has identified thousands of foreign engineers with fraudulent credentials in recent years. The SCE requires all engineers, whether Saudi or expatriate, to verify their qualifications and register with the council to practice legally. Penalties for using fake degrees are stringent, including fines up to SR 1 million, bans from practicing engineering, and potential deportation for non-Saudis. This case underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of professional qualifications, even for incidents dating back decades.
The Kingdom’s efforts to combat academic fraud have intensified, with authorities blacklisting individuals and institutions involved in forging credentials. This includes global rackets selling fake degrees, some targeting professionals in critical sectors. Saudi embassies now verify certificates and conduct professional tests before endorsing visas, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for such fraud.
No further updates on this case were available as of July 17, 2025. YaHind.Com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information emerges.
