Are Private Tuition Classes Legal in UAE?

In a move that is breathing a welcome change to private tutors across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) have legalized private tuition in the country, which was previously considered illegal and carried a sum of fine from those who were found guilty.

The new Private Teacher Work Permit that has been initiated by the government will allow individuals around the country to offer individual tuition services outside of school hours. As per the website of MoHRE, the new permit will allow “different groups of specialized and qualified professionals from the community to offer private lessons for students, individually or in groups.”

For years, the country has been dealing with the issue of combating illegal private tuition which is part of the reason why it was banned initially. However, this move has been made with the intent to make the process more protected and safe.

Speaking on the matter, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Mualla, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs at the MOE, has said, “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.”

He also added that it will diversify the educational material, sources, and opportunities, stating that this change will also protect the rights of private tutors since it “ensure(s) students receive supplemental education that meets their learning style and needs.”

Validity of Private Teacher Work Permit

The Private Teacher Work Permit is valid for two years and this permit will ensure that you can carry on with your private tuition services by staying on the right side of the law. The MoHRE has stated that “this allows qualified individuals who are granted the permit to offer private lessons and generate direct income, provided they sign a ‘code of conduct’ document approved by the ministry”.

What is the Penalty for Offering Private Tuition without a Work Permit?

Carrying private tuition without the said work permit will lead to financial consequences in the form of fines and penalties.

Previously, tutors, if found guilty, could be charged with a fine of up to 50,000 Dirhams. So, it is expected the current fine structure will be around the same figure.  You can consult our lawyers if you find yourself wrongly or accidentally charged for the permit.

Who is Eligible to Apply for the Private Teacher Work Permit?

From government employees to private sector employees, from registered teachers in government schools to registered teachers in private schools, from unemployed individuals to students who are aged between 15-18 years along with university students, the eligibility criteria for applying for this permit are extremely wide and diverse.

 

How to Apply for the Private Teacher Work Permit?

If you wish to apply for the Private Teacher Work Permit, then you need to request it officially through the MoHRE smart app, e-service system, or website. On the website, you will have to go to the ‘Services’ tab to find the ‘Private Teacher Work Permit’ option.

Documents Needed if you are a Registered Teacher in a Public or Private School

  • A valid ID.
  • A NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer.
  • Experience certificate (if any).
  • A clear personal photo with a white background.
  • A medical fitness certificate.
  • A certificate of good conduct.

Documents Needed if You are Employed but Don’t Work in Education Directly

  • A valid ID.
  • Latest academic degree.
  • A NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer.
  • Experience certificate (if any).
  • A clear personal photo with a white background.
  • A medical fitness certificate.
  • A certificate of good conduct.

Documents Needed for Private Teacher Work Permit if You Are Unemployed

  • A valid ID.
  • Latest academic degree.
  • Experience certificate (if applicable).
  • A clear personal photo with a white background.
  • A medical fitness certificate.
  • A certificate of good conduct.

Documents Needed for Private Teacher Work Permit if You are a Student

  • A valid ID.
  • A certificate of continuity of study.
  • The student’s last academic certificate.
  • A NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the guardian.
  • A clear personal photo with a white background.
  • A medical fitness certificate.
  • A certificate of good conduct.

Compliance Requirements for Private Teacher Work Permit Holders

To maintain compliance with regulations and ensure the highest standards in teaching, private teacher work permit holders must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Acknowledge and adhere to the ‘Code of Conduct’ sanctioned by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, as it is strictly prohibited for teachers to offer services directly to students associated with their respective schools.
  • Safeguard the confidentiality of student and parental information at all times.
  • Prohibit any form of verbal or physical violence towards students.
  • Refrain from discussing or introducing abnormal or extremist ideologies that contradict the national identity.
  • Maintain professionalism in all interactions with students, refraining from engaging in inappropriate communication or sharing content such as emails or images.
  • Avoid any form of physical contact with students.
  • Respect and honour the traditions of the United Arab Emirates, maintaining a modest and culturally appropriate public appearance.

What is the Cost of Applying for the Private Teacher Work Permit?

You can apply for the Private Teacher Work Permit free of cost. It will remain valid for two years from the date it is issued. You just need to make sure that you renew it timely so that you can continue providing private tuition services legally.

Instead of a fee, tutors are required to sign a code of conduct document that is authorized and approved by the MoHRE. It usually takes 1-5 working days for the permit to get issued. Please note that in case your application is denied, you can submit a new application six months later.

Can Registered Tutors Provide Private Tuitions from Their Home Country?

Yes, registered tutors can provide private tuition from their home country as long as they have proof of valid residency. This work permit covers both in-person tutoring as well as online tutoring and there is no cap on the number of students one can have.

To Summarize

Private tuition is no longer illegal in the UAE and individuals are free to provide private tuition services both in-person and online from wherever they want as long as they have a valid Private Tutor Work Permit and have a registered license approved by the government.

The permit stays valid for two years, after which it needs to be renewed. There are no costs involved in applying for this permit as it only requires official documents as part of a code of conduct.

Since a diverse and wide range of applicants can apply for this permit, it is believed that it will significantly improve the education system in the country and generate additional income for hard-working private tutors by protecting their rights.

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