The UAE introduces “Private Teacher Work Permit” to legalize private tutoring

The UAE has introduced the “Private Teacher Work Permit” to legalize private tutoring on demand by foreign teachers.

Registered teachers, already employed, unemployed, school students aged 15 to 18 and university students are among those who can apply for a “Private Teacher Work Permit”.

The permit, launched jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emeritus (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), is aimed at curbing illegal private tuitions. Private tutoring was previously banned in the UAE. Violating teachers were heavily fined. Below are answers to all the questions asked by our readers.

1. Procedure for applying for “Private Teacher Work Permit”.

Eligible applicants can submit the application for the permit through the digital platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratis (MoHRE). On the Ministry’s website, applicants will find the ‘Private Teacher Work Permit’ option under the ‘Services’ tab in the menu bar. The application can be submitted by clicking on this option.

2. Is “Private Teacher Work Permit” free and for how long?

Eligible applicants can obtain this permit free of charge. This permit is issued for two years. This permit enables teachers to generate direct income by providing educational services outside of schools.

Tutors holding a “Private Tutoring Licence” can also work from their home countries provided they have the appropriate residency. This license covers both online and in-person tuition. Also, the number of students under this permit. But there is no limit. Whether teachers have 3 students or 300, the Ministry has nothing to do with it.

It takes one to five days to issue a “Private Teacher Work Permit,” according to an announcement issued by the Emirati Ministry of Human Resources. In case the application is rejected, the applicant can submit another application after six months.

3. What documents are required to obtain a “Private Tutor License”?

Documents may vary depending on nationality and status. It depends on who is applying. For example, a student’s and a teacher’s papers will be different. However, you may need the following documents.

Acceptable residence of UAE
Passport / Emirates ID
Signed declaration
Character Certificate
No objection from employer.
No Objection Certificate from Guardian (for students who want to offer private tuition)
Experience Certificate (if any)
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4. Why has “Private Teacher Work Permit” been introduced?

The Ministry of Education’s Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Moula, said the new system “provides flexible options for students and parents while maintaining discipline, quality and efficiency in the educational process”.

“The introduction of permits for those qualified to provide private tutoring will help curb illegal and unregulated practices in the recruitment of private teachers,” he added.

The legal framework in this regard regulates private education requirements at the national level and protects the rights of private teachers. He urged the aspirants of private tutoring to hire qualified professionals to provide these educational services.