Foreign-Trained Civil Servants Must Verify Degrees or Be Marked Absent

The federal government has implemented stringent new rules for civil servants who have returned from studying abroad or participating in foreign assignments, mandating that they verify their academic degrees or risk being marked absent from duty. These updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Establishment Division require officers to provide either a certified copy of their degree certificate or an official academic transcript alongside their joining report.

The government's aim is to enhance oversight of publicly funded training programs and ensure that officers fulfill their service duties. If an officer fails to submit the required academic documents without a valid reason, they may be considered absent without authorization. In cases where a foreign university has not yet issued the degree, the officer must furnish official documentation from the institution to clarify their academic status and explain any delays.

The new measures also introduce a centralized system for tracking financial liabilities associated with government-funded scholarships and professional training. The Training Wing is tasked with providing the Executive Wing with a detailed statement of liability for each officer who has signed a surety bond, outlining scholarship and training costs, recoverable emoluments, and the duration of service required post-return.

This liability statement will be part of the officer's personal file and must be presented to relevant authorities during any administrative decisions concerning the officer's career or service conditions.

The government's move aims to address concerns about officers leaving public service prematurely or failing to complete mandatory service periods after receiving financial support for education and training. Pending leave extensions will not exempt civil servants from the requirement to report back upon the end of approved leave or deputation. Officers who neglect to submit a joining report may be classified as absent without authorization and their cases may be referred to senior officials for further action.