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Schools in Dubai are strictly prohibited from preventing a student from attending class if school fees have not been paid.
This has been reiterated to Khaleej Times by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) following complaints from several parents here who received circulars stating that untimely payment of schools fees will result in such action.
Khaleej Times is in possession of two circulars from two different Indian curriculum schools in Dubai, which outline new rules around payment of school fees.
The yearly tuition for both schools range from between 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 it reads: ".the student will not be permitted to sit in class and/or board the bus with effect from the 1st of the next month.”
One parent, SS, questioned whether such rules were even allowed to be enforced.
And if these arrears are not cleared by the 28th of the month it reads: ".the student will not be permitted to sit in class and/or board the bus with effect from the 1st of the next month."
One parent, SS, questioned whether such rules were even allowed to be enforced.
"As per my understanding, schools under KHDA have no right to terminate any students 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 schools can withhold final examination results until fees are paid in full, but flexibility needs to be given 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."
At a time when many people are losing their jobs, SS said it is leaving many parents in a tough financial situation.
"I understand schools fees need to be paid but some need more time. You can't simply pluck a child out of school. That is a breach of rights."
Father of one AS, said he reacted the same when he received a similarly circular from his son's school last week.
"I questioned whether banning a student from class was even allowed."
The school management stipulated that late payment of fees will result in a student's withdrawal from class.
"My first reaction was 'this is a severe penalty'. Why are the students being punished?"
And 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 said they didn't wish to comment on the issue.
PRINCIPALS SPEAK ON THE ISSUE
Khaleej Times reached out to several principals of schools in Dubai to find out what parents can do if they are struggling to keep up with payment of school fees.
Although the stipulations vary from school to school – with no one-size-fits all approach – all were of the consensus that in genuine cases, agreements can be met to alleviate the issue.
Typical scenarios:
1 ILLNESS RELATED
If parents or family members are suffering financial hardship due to reasons relating to illness (short-term, long-term or terminal), parents simply have to show proof of documentation. In such cases schools can waive between 50-100 per cent of the fees. One Principal of a CBSE school here told Khaleej Times these cases arise about two to three times a year at its school.
2. LOSS OF JOB
If a parent is made redundant or loses their job, they can alert the school of this new development. They may be asked to present the supporting documentation as evidence. Only after the parent is back in full term employment will they be asked to settle 50 per cent of the current arrears. They will usually be given three months (or until the end of term) to settle these dues.
3. FEES CONCESSION FORM
The principals we spoke to said this is the normal, legal route of the school. If parents do not qualify for any of the above criteria but are financially burdened (ie earn a low salary or have several children studying at once with multiple schooling fees to honour) the parents can apply for a concession on fees – it is usually about 40 per cent. This is only valid if all previous arrears are cleared.
4. HABITUAL NON-PAYMENT
For parents who make a habit of not paying school fees on time, circulars will be issued. Another principal we spoke to said some parents often take this route of not paying throughout the year then simply make a small payment at the end of the year. These circulars are sent out as deterrents and as per KHDA rules, the school has the right to withhold exam results from the family.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
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