UAE Ministry of Education Lists 7 Categories Eligible for Excused Absence as Exams Approach

As a first-semester approach, the UAE Ministry of Education has issued new guidelines identifying 7 categories eligible for excused absence of students. However, this move aims to strike a balance between academic discipline and humanitarian consideration. 

Hence, it ensures that absences are accepted only when supported by an official document and approved through formal channels. The updated framework reinforces the commitment of the ministry to fairness, consistency, and transparency across all educational institutes in the country. 

7 Categories Eligible for Excused Absence

The Ministry of Education  outlined the following seven categories under which student absences may be considered legitimate:

1. Illness

Students suffering from illness can be excused after submission of a certified medical report from an authorised UAE health institution.

2. Students of Determination

Absence due to medical treatment or therapy sessions, either inside or outside the UAE, will not affect the attendance record if aligned with the relevant departments and individual inclusion plan. 

3. Accompanying Relatives for Medical Treatment Abroad

When students travel with a first or second degree relative receiving medical treatment abroad, they might be granted up to one month under approved conditions. However, it can be extended under approved conditions after the submission of the official documentation confirming the medical travel and relationship.

4. Participation in National or Official Assignments

Students representing the UAE or participating in recognised official activities may receive justified absence supported by a participation letter specifying the duration and purpose. 

5. Bereavement (Death of a Close Relative)

Absence due to the death of a first- or second-degree relative will be excused upon presenting an official death certificate.

6. Special Personal Circumstances

Parents may request up to 5 days of excused absence per academic year for exceptional personal reasons. However, they must provide a written request with supporting documents is submitted to the UAE schools.

7. Collective or Emergency Absences:

When multiple students miss school simultaneously due to a common cause or an emergency directed by higher authorities, such absences will be classified as legitimate.

The ministry has also highlighted that exceptional long-term absence arising from social or health-related issues will be handled by social or health-related issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Moreover, the school’s behaviour management committee will review each situation before being referred to the educational operations sector for final approval.

Support Measures for Excused Students

Besides defining legitimate absence categories, the ministry has directed schools to adopt five essential support measures to academic continuity for excused students. Below is the list of those measures:

• Activate remote learning accounts to maintain learning engagement.
• Provide complete access to study materials and assignments.
• Conduct makeup exams following approved evaluation systems.
• Create individualised support plans to address learning gaps.
• Coordinate with families and social workers to help students reintegrate smoothly after returning.

These steps are created to prevent any students from falling behind academically and uphold a fair and compassionate attendance policy. 

Commitment to Educational Fairness

The ministry has also highlighted that the education committee of the UAE will conduct regular reviews of all excused absences to ensure compliance with the established standards. Hence, this ensures that humanitarian needs are met without compromising the quality of education. In short, you can fool the school or education institutions into getting leaves for your children, as the higher committee is going to review everything. 

The UAE Ministry of Education reaffirms its mission to create an inclusive, equitable, and disciplined learning environment by introducing and implementing the 7 Categories Eligible for Excused Absence. In addition, they aim to build an environment and well-being and academic growth of students remain top priorities for quality education. 

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