An Indian-origin woman in Adelaide has been convicted for posing as a registered nurse using a fake certificate. She also claimed to be a victim of a scam, stating she was unaware that her qualifications were not genuine.
Harpreet Kaur, 33, had trained as a nurse in India but failed Australia’s nursing exams three times. Instead of attempting the exams again, she used a fake registration certificate to secure work in Adelaide.
Initially, she pleaded guilty in 2024 but later withdrew her plea. She then argued in court that she had been misled by an online “guru” who charged her $10,000 for training and documentation.
Kaur claimed she believed the certificate was legitimate. However, the court rejected her defence after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial.
On Friday, Magistrate Luke Davis described her claims as false and said they were attempts to avoid responsibility. He stated that the certificate was clearly fake, doctored, and not valid.
The court also found that she had lied under oath. It was concluded that she was aware of her actions and had knowingly participated in the wrongdoing.
The case has triggered strong reactions, particularly within the Indian diaspora. It has also drawn attention from groups raising concerns about immigration and verification systems in the healthcare sector.
There are increasing calls to review credential checks more strictly. Some voices have demanded closer scrutiny of foreign-trained professionals working in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
Harpreet Kaur has now been convicted on two counts. She faces up to three years in prison along with a fine of $60,000.
She is scheduled to return to court next month for sentencing. The case continues to raise questions about oversight and accountability in professional licensing systems.
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