UAE Teachers: Your Guide to Legally Tutoring on the Side

A teacher in the UAE, employed by a private school, is seeking to understand the legalities of undertaking private tutoring to supplement their income. While they believe their school might permit this, they wish to confirm the legal framework and necessary procedures to avoid any breaches of law or employer dissatisfaction.

Teachers are indeed permitted to engage in private tutoring within the UAE, provided they adhere to specific regulations and obtain the necessary licensing. The initial and crucial step is to meticulously review one's employment contract. Some contracts may explicitly prohibit additional work, while others might require express permission from the employer. Even if the contract is silent on the matter, it is highly advisable to secure formal approval from the employer, particularly if they are the sponsor and provide the residency visa. Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) serves as formal documentation of this approval.

The framework governing private tutoring is outlined in UAE Ministerial Resolution No. 710 of 2023, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This resolution officially regulates the practice of private tutoring. The application process for the UAE private teacher work permit has been recently updated and is now facilitated through an official digital authorization. Applications can be submitted via the MOHRE website or its smart application, utilizing UAE Pass for authentication. Essential requirements for all applicants include a valid Emirates ID and passport, a UAE residency visa, a personal photograph, proof of educational and subject qualifications, and a signed Ministry of Education code of conduct, along with the most recent educational/experience certificate. These documents are typically already held by employed teachers.

There is no fee associated with the UAE private teacher work permit, and its validity extends for two years from the date of issuance. This permit encompasses both in-person and online tutoring, as well as one-on-one or small group instruction. It is important to note that distinct requirements apply to individuals or entities aiming to establish a commercial tutoring agency.

In a separate query, an individual named DN from Sharjah is facing a predicament after returning to Dubai to find their employer's company closed and the owner having absconded, leaving four employees without notice. DN has been working for the company for nine months and had taken unpaid leave, which was agreed upon due to a family illness. Now, with a new job prospect, DN needs to cancel their existing visa but is unsure how to proceed given the company's closure and the owner's disappearance.

While this is an unfortunate circumstance, arranging for visa cancellation should be manageable, assuming a UAE mainland employer with MOHRE-issued work permits and visas. The recommended first step for DN is to file a complaint with MOHRE. This can be done by contacting MOHRE directly at 600 590000 or via the MOHRE app to formally report the unreachable or closed company. MOHRE will attempt to contact the employer. If the employer remains unreachable or fails to respond within the stipulated timeframe (typically five to ten working days), the ministry has the authority to intervene and process a unilateral cancellation of the work permit and labour contract, issuing a receipt as proof.

Following the MOHRE process, the next step involves clearing the immigration file to cancel the residency visa. Since the visa was issued in Sharjah, DN should visit a Tasheel or ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) centre and request an “exemption cancellation.” This procedure allows for the cancellation of a residency visa without the employer's or sponsor's involvement and is applicable across all emirates, with a slight variation for Dubai.

For visas issued in Dubai, after completing the MOHRE process, individuals must visit an Amer centre. Immigration authorities at Dubai airport may also offer assistance, particularly for those intending to cancel their visa and depart the country immediately. Crucially, individuals sponsoring family members, including spouses, children, or domestic staff, must ensure the complete cancellation of all dependent visas before their own residency visa can be cancelled. Upon successful cancellation of all relevant visas, DN will be granted the standard grace period, which typically ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on the visa classification, allowing ample time to secure a new sponsor or employer.