BQPCA suspends and deregisters multiple ECPFs to safeguard applicants

2026-03-09 - 09:04

The Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA) has temporarily suspended and permanently de-registered several Education Consultancy and Placement Firms (ECPFs) over the years to ensure that applicants seeking education and employment opportunities abroad receive reliable and ethical services. ECPFs assist students with selecting programs, applying to universities, preparing documentation, and arranging placements in foreign institutions. With the growing number of Bhutanese students studying overseas, the role of consultancy firms has become increasingly prominent. However, concerns over compliance with regulatory standards, transparency, and the protection of applicants have led BQPCA to take strict action against non-compliant firms. In an earlier notification, BQPCA directed all training institutes, coaching centers, and supplementary education providers to obtain mandatory registration with the authority. The directive came after the authority observed that several organizations were conducting training programs, coaching or tuition classes, mentoring sessions, and other educational services without obtaining the required registration and approval. BQPCA said the registration requirement is aimed at protecting and promoting the interests of learners while ensuring the quality, credibility, and standardization of training and educational services in the country. “The measures are intended to ensure that all educational programmes operate within the regulatory framework and meet established standards,” the authority added. To date, BQPCA has suspended and de-registered around seven ECPFs. Consultancies such as Capital Valley ECPF, P & A ECPF, and Chodrup ECPF were de-registered after failing to renew their licenses within the required timeframe. According to BQPCA, “Failure to renew the license within six months after the validity period shall lead to automatic de-registration.” The authority emphasized that compliance with licensing requirements is necessary to ensure that ECPFs maintain professional standards while providing consultancy and placement services to students. Suspension was imposed on consultancies like Yarab Global Education Consultancy after investigations revealed that the firm had collaborated with agencies not approved by BQPCA and attempted to place clients for employment in areas beyond the permissible scope of ECPF operations. BQPCA further stated, “The consultancy issued forged documents, including offer letters and Canadian visas, which were subsequently confirmed as fraudulent by the High Commission of Canada.” The authority found that such faudulent practices resulted in a five-year ban on the affected individuals from entering Canada, while the consultancy continued accepting new clients for similar unauthorized placements. Three additional ECPFs were also suspended for a specified period and were strictly prohibited from offering any services during the suspension. Bhutan was recently downgraded from Assessment Level 2 to Assessment Level 3 under Australia’s student visa system, placing it in a higher-risk category. As a result, visa applications from Bhutanese students are now subject to greater review, longer processing times, and a higher likelihood of refusals. While visa decisions remain the responsibility of the host country, BQPCA noted that regulating ECPFs and enforcing professional standards can help reduce risks and protect students from fraudulent or irregular practices. “The visa assessment levels are internal settings used by Australian immigration authorities and are not routinely communicated to foreign governments or regulatory agencies,” BQPCA stated. The authority said that immigration decisions and visa outcomes are fully under the host country’s jurisdiction and are beyond the scope of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and BQPCA. Any necessary diplomatic discussions would be conducted through the proper official channels. BQPCA noted that a higher visa assessment level may result in closer checks, longer processing times, and additional documentation requirements. The authority added, “Visa outcomes ultimately depend on individual compliance with Australian immigration requirements, institutional admission criteria, and visa conditions.” BQPCA also highlighted that Bhutan has a relatively small and manageable number of registered ECPFs. “BQPCA has put in place clear regulatory and monitoring mechanisms to uphold professional and ethical standards, including ensuring placement only in accredited institutions, enforcing compliance with guidelines, and coordinating with relevant agencies on consumer protection matters,” the authority stated. According to the MoESD and BQPCA, with the growing demand for overseas education and the increasing complexity of international admissions and visa processes, these measures are aimed at safeguarding the interests of Bhutanese students and applicants seeking employment abroad, ensuring that they receive credible guidance when pursuing studies or work opportunities overseas.