Saudi Arabia postpones calculating absent days for unvaccinated students in first 2 weeks of academic year

Logo of Ministry of Education

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education will delay implementing the decision for calculating absence of students at universities as well as technical and vocational training institutions, who were not fully vaccinated in the first two weeks of the new academic year, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing the spokesperson for general education.

The ministry also decided to delay implementing the above decision for the general education students who are 12 years old and above and did not receive the two doses of vaccine.

Attendance at the educational facilities will be limited to those who are fully vaccinated, the spokesperson said.

This aims to ensure the regularity of education and preserve the safety of students, as well as their families and society. The ministry will keep coordinating with the Ministry of Health to achieve a safe return to school.

Students in Saudi Arabia begin the new academic year 2021-22 today, Aug. 29, as classroom learning resumes for those who are vaccinated.