Attestation centres say new service will hit business

Attestation centres said they are worried about the effect that IntegraScreen, providers of document verification, will have on their business.

Most are wary of the developments, but also claim people still rely on their services for attestation.

IntegraScreen has signed a contract with Emirates Post as an exclusive agent for the UAE government's degree verification programme.

The project is being carried out by IntegraScreen on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The Degree Verification programme involves conducting an educational background verification for all individuals who are required to produce educational certificates prior to obtaining their UAE residence visa.

Emirates Post is handling all applications from September 4 through its 78 post offices across the county. Applicants have to pay a fee of Dh500 per certificate, inclusive of the Dh10 cost of each envelope.

One of the main advantages of certificate verification is to wipe out the network of fake education certificates.

Rajmohan, from the Dubai-based Front Line attestation centre, said: "People are still not aware of the centralised single window new service provider for certificate verification.

"They are still coming to us and making enquiries about it. Once the new service is established I am sure that it will affect our business.

"As it is the volume of business has reduced considerably in the last one year. There are many people who go themselves and get their documents attested and verified," he said.

Kanakanam, administration manager from Dubai-based Index attestation centre, said: "We are not sure as to what type of service will be provided by IntegraScreen. They say that they will provide people with single window certificate verification facilities.

"Now my question is will they verify the certificates after the attestation or before the attestation is done. I tried to get more details on the matter from Emirates Post and the Indian consulate but nobody seems to tell us anything about it.

"I think I will have to check with IntegraScreen themselves and get a clear picture. We too provide the service of attestation verification. For example, we verify whether or not the attestation stamp on a particular certificate is genuine or not."