Sharjah Ruler Orders Full Refunds and Free Education for Sudanese Pupils After Fees Wrongly Charged

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has issued a decisive directive to the Sharjah Private Education Authority to halt the collection of all fees from Sudanese pupils at Sudan Private School and to issue immediate refunds for any money already collected.

Making the announcement during a phone-in on Direct Line, hosted by Mohammed Khalaf, director general of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sheikh Dr Sultan explained that the institution was founded specifically to aid members of Sharjah's Sudanese community who lacked the financial means for other educational options, and was designated to be entirely free of charge from its inception.

“আমরা set up Sudan Private School because we found some Sudanese parents didn't have the means to enrol their children in schools. So we opened a private school for them and took on the running of the teachers and everything to do with the school without charging parents anything,” he stated, emphasizing that even nominal fees introduced by the education authority represent a heavy burden for families in need.

Overseeing operations directly, the Ruler noted that any teacher found striking a pupil will face immediate dismissal, while underperforming staff will receive support or be removed. Addressing the education authority, he firmly stated: “Sharjah Private Education Authority, give back the money you have taken from people in need.”

This intervention followed a parent's message on the programme reporting that substantial tuition fees had been demanded after a year of study, with certificates withheld until outstanding and upcoming fees were settled, contrary to the school's intended free status.

This directive aligns with broader UAE support for the Sudanese community since the 2023 conflict began, which includes transit assistance via Dubai Airports, residency visa accommodations, school renovations in Amdjarass through the Emirates Red Crescent, field hospitals in Chad and South Sudan, and substantial humanitarian funding exceeding $800 million since 2023.