New UAE work permit: Parents hail 'legal, less expensive' tuition for children

For parents in the UAE, the new work permit for tutors will pave the way for "legal and more affordable" private lessons for their children.

Those eligible for the licence include registered teachers in both government and private schools, workers in government and private sectors, unemployed individuals, as well as students who are at least 15 years old.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, residents highlighted that formalising the private tuition process would allow more parents to find tutors whose fees would fit into their budgets.

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Affordability

Filipino expat Ben Lebig, who has a daughter in Grade 10, said: “This is a welcome move for sure as it will make the tuition market more competitive. Usually, the existing tutorial clubs are very expensive and it can be quite a burden for many parents, especially if they have more than one child in senior grades.”

He said that as children grow older, they might need lessons in mathematics, science, Arabic, or foreign languages. “When there are regulations in place then getting external help at affordable rates becomes an option for parents.”

Quality

Besides more affordable opportunities, it would also create a bigger pool of highly qualified tutors who would be willing to take on private classes.

“As parents, we may have the option of reaching out to a qualified person well within our community who is capable of imparting lessons that are worth the money and time. This will also help avoid longer travel times for tuitions with pupils already tired after school.”

French expat Christine Quartier La Tente, a mother to a 12-year-old, said: “I am thinking both from the perspective of a parent and a stay-at-home mother who can probably utilise her skills by getting this permit and making myself more employable.”

The resident, who lives in Danube 2, explains why distance can be a barrier. “My daughter would need help in subjects like Arabic. Since I live in a community that’s quite far away from the buzz of the city, it’s not always an option for me to drive her around for tuitions, especially during the late evenings. If more qualified people get this permit, I have more choice as a parent to explore different tutors within my vicinity, and to gauge which teacher is offering lessons at a more affordable rate that suits my pocket.”

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