diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
index dd64fd0a16..2cc24f1360 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ class ReferenceLoader(openpype.hosts.maya.api.plugin.ReferenceLoader):
             if current_namespace != ":":
                 group_name = current_namespace + ":" + group_name
 
+            group_name = "|" + group_name
+
             self[:] = new_nodes
 
             if attach_to_root: