Saudi Arabia approves return to schools for academic year 2021-22

Logo of Ministry of Education

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education announced that a royal decree was issued on approving the return-to-school mechanisms for the academic year 2021-22.

In a statement, the ministry indicated that the mechanisms should be applied as per the following arrangements:

First: As for universities, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and general education for age groups of 12 years minimum, faculty members, university employees, teachers and students should receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The Ministry of Health is also directed to provide sufficient quantities of vaccines, and to complete the vaccination for the mentioned groups no later than Sunday, Aug. 22.

Second: The ministry should register appointments for the students who have not received the vaccine and are aged 12 years and above.

Third: As for the general education for the age group of less than 12 years, teachers and workers in the educational facilities should receive two doses of the vaccine. Return to school will start when vaccination with two doses reaches 70% of the population, or on Oct. 30, whichever is earlier.

Fourth: The Public Health Authority will inform the Ministry of Education and TVTC of the precautionary measures and health protocols for the return of school, to be applied within one-week maximum.

The ministry noted that it will follow up with all concerned authorities to speed up the implementation of the royal decree and will circulate it to all educational departments to make the necessary arrangements.