UAE Introduces New Private Teacher Work Permit

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new Private Teacher Work Permit to curb the haphazard practices in the education sector while also regulating private coaching outside educational institutions and helping improve the country's educational system.

The new permit, introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) on Monday, can be issued to various groups of specialized and qualified professionals who seek to provide private coaching to students in the country.

Beneficiaries of this new Private Teacher Work Permit include registered teachers in private or government institutes, employees working in private or government sectors, unemployed individuals and school students aged 15 to 18, alongside university students.

Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Mualla, undersecretary for academic affairs at the Ministry of Education, explained that this new permit's objective is to ensure that the educational system is stable and that students, as well as parents, have flexible options that will help them achieve their aspirations. The permit is also expected to help maintain discipline, quality and efficiency in the educational process, according to the minister.

"The introduction of a permit for individuals qualified to provide private lessons will help curb illegal and unregulated practices when recruiting private teachers, which risk affecting the learning process as a whole," Al-Mualla added, as per WAM.

He further noted that this new permit, made possible by the joint effort between the MoE and MoHRE, aligns with international best practices in the field.

Moreover, it "serves to establish a legal framework that regulates private lessons at the national level protects the rights of private teachers and ensures that students receive supplemental education that meets their learning style and needs."

"We will continue to work with our partners to advance and develop the education process, in line with our commitment to providing a safe, supportive, sustainable and stimulating learning environment," Al-Mualla added.

Khalil Al Khoori, undersecretary for human resources affairs at MoHRE, said the new permit shows the ministry's commitment to meeting present-day requirements and catering to new and emerging specializations and professions.

Those who are eligible for this permit can submit their request via the MoHRE smart application, website and e-services system. It will be provided free of charge for two years, allowing qualified individuals to offer private lessons and earn direct income.

Any individual offering private coaching without this permit will be subject to fines and penalties.