On 18 December 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in the UAE, introduced a new private teacher work permit.
This permit enables educators to provide individual tutoring outside of regular school hours. The initiative aims to enhance students’ learning experiences at private schools and establish regulations for private tutoring beyond the classroom setting.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation website, the permit is designed to empower specialised and qualified professionals in the community to offer private lessons to students, either individually or in groups.
Those who qualify for the permit include registered teachers in both government and private schools, government and private- sector employees, unemployed individuals, as well as school students aged 15 to 18, as well as university students. The purpose of this initiative is also to address and prevent any unauthorised private tuitions.
Teachers interested in obtaining the private teacher work permit can apply through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s smart application, website, or e-services system.
The permit, valid for two years and free of charge, enables qualified educators to provide private lessons and earn additional income, contingent on their agreement to adhere to a “code of conduct” approved by the Ministry. Those conducting private lessons without a permit may face fines and penalties as specified in the federal decree-law regarding the regulation of employment relationships, its executive regulations and relevant UAE laws.
In 2019, government school teachers were allowed to offer private tuitions to improve standards. The teachers could register and earn rewards but were restricted from tutoring their own school’s students. This opportunity was limited to public schools and not offered in private schools.