UAE Education Ministry Outlines Eight Legitimate Reasons for Student's Tardiness or Absence
The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Education has announced new regulations regarding student absences, setting out clear procedures for documenting and verifying excuses. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has issued this regulation, allowing eight categories of valid student absences that will not be considered disciplinary violations.
These categories include certified illness, chronic medical conditions, accompanying relatives for medical treatment, participation in national duties, bereavement, emergencies such as natural disasters, exceptional personal circumstances, and cases involving students of determination.
Illness is among the most recognized causes of absence, provided the student submits a medical certificate. In cases of bereavement, students are entitled to leave following the death of a first- or second-degree relative. Students may also be excused for accompanying relatives undergoing treatment abroad for up to one week per academic year.
Guardians are responsible for updating their contact details, submitting official absence justifications, and ensuring their children's attendance. Schools are required to provide access to learning materials for absent students via digital platforms or through personalized academic support plans.
Students of Determination and those with chronic illnesses are entitled to individualized support plans, including psychological and educational assistance. Students with chronic illnesses will be supported through tailored academic plans.
Absences due to participation in national duties or official events will be accepted, provided they are substantiated with official documentation. Accepted excuses for absences also include certified medical reasons, bereavement within the family, and justified travel.
Exceeding the maximum number of unexcused absences may result in expulsion from the formal education system. Penalties for unexcused absences range from written warnings to the possibility of repeating the academic year. For handling unexcused absences, a written warning is issued after 1 day, a first official warning is issued after 3 days, a second warning is issued after 6 days, and the case is referred to the Child Protection Unit after 10 days.
After 15 days of unexcused absences, the case is escalated to school administrations and external authorities, and the student may be required to repeat the academic year. Schools may deduct marks from conduct grades for repeated unexcused absences. Parents have the right to file an appeal within five working days of being notified of their child's absence.
The ministry also acknowledges emergencies and exceptional personal situations as grounds for excused absence. The new regulations aim to provide clarity and support for students and their families while maintaining the integrity of the educational process.
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