Students can’t be barred over fee default
Dh4,500 - Dh12,000 yearly tuition fee of schools that sent out the warning circular
dubai — Dubai schools are not permitted to prevent a student from attending class if school fees haven’t been paid, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The KHDA’s message comes after complaints from several local parents who received circulars stating that untimely payment of school fees would result in such action.
Khaleej Times is in possession of two circulars — from two different Indian curriculum schools — which threaten to do so.
One circular, dated November 2, notes that “warnings will be sent out on the 20th of each month” to parents who have not paid fees for two months”. If the arrears are not cleared by the 28th of the month, the circular adds, “the student will not be permitted to sit in class and/ or board the bus with effect from the 1st of the next month”.
“Schools have a right to receive fees in return for the education provided. However, as per regulations, schools are not allowed to stop students from attending school or appearing for examinations due to non-payment of fees,” said Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at the KHDA.
He added that schools can withhold final examination results until the fees are paid in full, but flexibility needs to be shown in some cases. “While parents are usually committed towards their financial obligations, those who need the flexibility must engage with the school and work towards agreeing on a suitable payment plan.” Both of the Dubai schools that issued circulars declined to comment.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
dubai — Schools in Dubai are strictly prohibited from preventing a student attending class if his or her school fees have not been paid.
This was reiterated to Khaleej Times by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) following complaints from several parents who received circulars stating that untimely payment of fees would result in such action.
Khaleej Times is in possession of two such circulars from two different Indian curriculum schools in Dubai, which also outline new rules on payment of school fees. The yearly tuition for both schools range from Dh4,500 to Dh12,000.
One circular, dated November 2, 2016, states that “warnings will be sent out on the 20th of each month” to parents who have not paid fees for two months. And if these arrears are not cleared by the 28th of the month, “…the student will not be permitted to sit in class and/or board the bus with effect from the 1st of the next month.”
Draconian rules?
One parent, SS, questioned whether such rules are even allowed to be enforced. “As per my understanding, schools under KHDA have no right to terminate any student due to non-payment of fees.” And he is right. In statement to Khaleej Times, Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA, said parents have a “responsibility to meet their financial commitment towards a school”; however, stopping a child from sitting in on class is not allowed.
“Schools have a right to receive fees in return for the education provided. However, as per regulations, schools are not allowed to stop students from attending school or appearing for examinations due to non-payment of fees,” Darwish said.
He added that schools can withhold final examination results until the fees are paid in full, but flexibility needs to be shown in some cases. “While parents are usually committed towards their financial obligations, those who need the
While parents are usually committed towards their financial obligations, those who need the flexibility must engage with the school and work towards agreeing on a suitable payment plan.” Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission, KHDA
flexibility must engage with the school and work towards agreeing on a suitable payment plan.”
At a time when many people are losing their jobs, SS said it is leaving many parents in a tough financial situation. “I understand school fees need to be paid, but some need time. You can’t simply pluck a child out of school. That is a breach of rights.”
The father of a student, AS, said he reacted the same way on receiving a similarly worded circular from his son’s school last week. “I questioned if banning a student from class was even allowed.”
The school management stated that late payment will result in a student’s withdrawal from class. “My first reaction was ‘this is a severe penalty’. Why are the students being punished?”
JM, whose child attends the same school, said he was immediately alarmed by the circular. “That’s why I contacted the newspaper. I knew this wasn’t right. I pay my school fees on time but for those who aren’t financially stable, this isn’t always the case.”
Khaleej Times did reach out to the two schools under question, but both do not wish to comment on the issue.
As per my understanding, schools under KHDA have no right to terminate any student due to nonpayment of fees. SS, a parent
I knew this wasn’t right. I pay my school fees on time but for those who aren’t financially stable, this isn’t always the case.” JM, a parent