In a landmark move to reduce bureaucracy and support international students, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has rolled out a new law aimed at simplifying the process for recognizing foreign academic qualifications. Under the revised system, the number of documents required has been cut from fourteen to just four, representing a 70 per cent reduction in paperwork.The reform is part of the UAE’s broader Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, which is focused on streamlining public services and aligning government processes with global best practices.This bold step is expected to enhance the country’s attractiveness to international students and professionals seeking to study or work in the UAE.
Major Cut in Paperwork
According to Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector at MoHESR, the updated system is a key milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to serve students more efficiently.Gulf News quoted Alsaadi saying, “This reduction in documentation is a 70% decrease compared to the previous system and has already shown promising results following its successful pilot launch.” By bringing the required number of documents down to just four, the Ministry hopes to remove longstanding administrative hurdles that many students faced while seeking recognition for degrees earned abroad. The change applies to all academic disciplines and institutions, making it a comprehensive improvement across the board.
Pilot Programme Shows Strong Results
Before the official launch, the new recognition process underwent a pilot phase, which delivered highly encouraging results. The number of approved qualifications nearly doubled, rising from 5,780 to 12,180 in a short span. Additionally, the rejection rate dropped sharply, falling from 8.3 per cent to just 3.5 per cent, a clear indicator of the process’s increased clarity and efficiency.The new framework has also been designed to integrate smoothly with local scholarship providers.
A Digital Leap Forward
In line with the UAE’s focus on digital transformation, MoHESR is also expanding its online services to cover the entire student journey, from admission to graduation and entry into the workforce. Students and graduates need to visit the official MoHESR website to access the updated degree recognition services and detailed guidelines. The Ministry has also hinted at future upgrades that could further automate the recognition process using smart technologies.
