Qatar Probes Fake Sick Leave Scheme Involving Forged HMC Certificates

Qatar’s Public Prosecution has launched an investigation into allegations involving the forgery of official documents, misuse of medical leave certificates and damage to public funds after authorities uncovered a suspected network that allegedly supplied fake sick leave documents attributed to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

 

The investigation was initiated following a report submitted by the Ministry of Interior against a female Qatari suspect. According to the Public Prosecution, preliminary investigations found that the suspect had allegedly coordinated with individuals outside Qatar to facilitate the acquisition of forged medical leave certificates by several Qatari nationals. The certificates were allegedly presented to government entities to obtain leave that the applicants were not entitled to receive.

 

Authorities said the alleged scheme involved the creation and distribution of medical leave certificates falsely attributed to HMC, one of Qatar’s leading public healthcare providers. The documents were allegedly used by recipients to justify absences from workplaces and educational institutions.

 

The Public Prosecution stated that further investigations revealed the suspect had allegedly worked with individuals outside the country to provide forged medical leave certificates to another group of people, including students enrolled in educational institutions and employees of several government entities.

 

The certificates were allegedly issued in exchange for financial payments transferred to the suspect’s bank account. Investigators said the recipients were aware that the documents were forged but still submitted them to government authorities in an attempt to secure leave without legal entitlement.

 

The authorities have not disclosed the number of individuals involved, the amount of money allegedly exchanged, or the identities of other suspects as investigations remain ongoing.

 

The Public Prosecution has urged government entities and other organisations to strengthen verification procedures for medical leave certificates submitted by employees or students.

 

Authorities called on institutions to report any suspected forged or invalid certificates so that legal action can be taken.

 

The case highlights Qatar’s continued efforts to combat document fraud and protect the integrity of official records. Forgery of official documents, particularly those used to obtain financial or administrative benefits, can lead to serious criminal consequences under Qatari law.

Qatar has previously taken legal action against individuals accused of producing fraudulent medical certificates. In 2024, the Public Prosecution referred two doctors and a nurse to the Criminal Court after investigations found they had allegedly obtained illegal payments in exchange for issuing fake medical certificates, including sick leave documents, to individuals seeking official leave from employers.

 

The latest investigation underscores authorities’ focus on preventing misuse of healthcare-related documents and ensuring that public resources and administrative systems are not exploited through fraudulent practices.

 

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