Understanding the UAE’s Newly Launched Private Teacher Work Permit

The UAE has introduced a new initiative called the “Private Teacher Work Permit” to regulate and allow the provision of private educational lessons. It is a joint effort between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a legal framework to regulate private tutoring outside formal educational institutes at a national level.

The permit allows teachers to provide educational lessons to individual students or groups of students outside of standard school hours. The individuals holding this work permit can teach both online and in-person, or work from their home country provided they hold a valid residence permit in the UAE. The permit is designed to protect the rights of private teachers and ensure that students receive supplemental education that meets their learning styles and needs.

Eligibility

The following categories of individuals are eligible to apply for the Private Teacher Work Permit:

• Registered teachers in public or private schools;
• Employees in the public or private sector;
• Unemployed individuals; and
• Students (Must be at least 15 years old)

Prerequisites and required documentation

Document requirements for the Private Teacher Work Permit may vary depending on the category of the individual applicant, but will likely include:

• A valid residence permit and Emirates ID issued in the UAE;
• A “No Objection” letter (if the applicant is a government or private sector employee), from an applicant’s current employer stating there are no concerns regarding the applicant obtaining this permit;
• A certificate of good conduct;
• A medical fitness certificate; and
• Proof of student status (for current student applicants)

Work permit validity and application process

The permit is valid for two years once approved by the MOHRE, and renewable for a similar duration. The application is submitted through designated MOHRE channels and is free of charge. If the application is rejected, it can be resubmitted after a period of six months.

At the time of this blog’s publishing, Fragomen professionals have not seen any application rejections, but know a rejection would primarily stem from an applicant not meeting the permit’s eligibility requirements.

Compliance requirements

Private Teacher Work Permit holders are required to abide by certain conditions and follow various best practices.

Applicants are required to sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ approved by the MOHRE and abide by the conditions thereof. Once an applicant is officially a permit holder, they must:

• refrain from providing private tutoring to students affiliated with the school at which they teach or work;
• conduct themselves in a way that protects the privacy and rights of students; and
• maintain professional behaviour and be respectful of UAE traditions.

Individuals offering private lessons without a permit will be subject penalties outlined in the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, the executive regulations, the decisions that govern those regulations, and any other applicable laws in the UAE.

Assessment

Prior to the introduction of the Private Teacher Work Permit, private teaching outside of an institution was not permitted in the UAE, and violators were subject to fines.

This initiative is a significant step in providing a legal framework for private teaching, with a focus on ensuring quality education and protecting the rights of both teachers and students. It offers flexibility to teachers and potential employment opportunities for various categories of individuals.

It also aligns with the changing dynamics of education, allowing teachers to adapt to different modes of teaching, including remote work. This not only benefits teachers but also gives students access to private tutoring services from professionals.

Need to know more?

For more information or questions on the UAE’s Private Teacher Work Permit, please contact Senior Manager Manu George at [email protected].

This blog was published on 14 February 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.