Bar Council: No Barrier to Online Law Degrees, but Exams Must Be In-Person

The President of the Bar Council of Maldives, Hussain Siraj, has stated that there is no obstacle to offering law degree courses online. However, he clarified that examinations for all accredited law degree programmes must be conducted in person. Siraj made these remarks during the 11th Judiciary Committee meeting, following recent changes to examination standards. He said the changes are aimed at improving legal education in the Maldives and maintaining its quality, making the legal profession trustworthy for both the public and state institutions. The Bar Council's Vice President, Ibrahim Shameel, added that some students were confused about the new rules. He explained that the change only requires exams to be taken in person at an examination centre, not that students must travel to Malé. From August 1, all exams for Bar Council-accredited law degree programmes, including those accredited before that date, must be conducted in person with invigilators and candidates present at a set time according to the Council's procedures. The Bar Council emphasised that it is consulting relevant institutions and stakeholders as it sets minimum standards for legal education in the country.