Work/Study programs, carefully supervised, for students in colleges and schools under consideration as MoL and KHDA pledge increased service to schools
Dubai, UAE, Jan. 20, 2008 – HE Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka’abi, Minister of Labour met with Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA) to discuss granting students the permission to work and coordinating improved MoL services to schools.
The Ministry of Labour’s (MoL) strategy allows interested students an introduction to the job market if they’re above the age of 16 and, if non-national, still on their parent’s visa. Consultations are underway as well to grant students in colleges with a student visa the possibility of a work permit as well.
Besides acquainting motivated students with the job market, it will give them insight into the working world and help them acquire the required confidence when seeking jobs after completing education.
Dr. Al Ka’abi said, “Our meeting today is in line with the UAE strategy furthering cooperation between federal and local bodies. The success of the student work initiative at Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and the free zones encourages us to implement this at the Federal level. The DKV initiative is a great case study. It shows that exposing students to the workforce has a generally positive impact on their approach to their studies. We are now looking forward to applying this on a wider scale with stringent guidelines that ensure the students’ priorities remain academic while providing the job market with a new, motivated work force. We also had a productive discussion about enhancing our MoL services to the private schools in Dubai in coordination with the Dubai Schools Agency.”
Dr Al Karam said, “Our meeting with MoL is a new step on the journey of cooperation between KHDA and Federal Ministries. We have already signed an Agreement with the Ministry of Education, and are today moving forward to work with the Ministry of Labour to further exchange expertise and benefit from their experience in executing federal policies.”
He added, “Student employment is of great interest to KHDA. There are many advantages to exposing interested students to the workplace apart from allowing them to gain practical experience and build future relationships. Many new graduates can benefit from strengthening their practical, softer skills - so necessary in the business world. Earlier, and supervised, participation in the real world of employment gives these students a leg-up when they start work after their education. As Dubai increasingly becomes a regional center for higher education, allowing these students the possibility of this broader approach to learning while they contribute to the Dubai economy is a win-win situation. Job number one is to establish a system to regulate this kind of employment so that it complements the academic life of the students. Studies must remain the priority. However, with an earlier exposure to the world of work, these kids can hit the ground running when they leave school. We also contribute to creating a more well-rounded person and the work force objectives of DSP 2015 simultaneously. We were also gratified by the Minister’s interest in working with us to provide increased Labour services to the private schools community. Greater coordination between the Ministry, the DSA and the private schools to streamline and create more efficient processes should benefit all. “
Both parties (MoL and KHDA) agreed to hold continued meetings in the coming weeks to form working groups to further develop proper systems for both work/study permits and visas as well as the provision of improved Labour Ministry services to private schools.
The meeting took place at KHDA’s Academic City premises and was attended by HE Humaid Bin Dimas and Ahmad Kajour Under secretaries from the Ministry, HE Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai School Agency, Jameela Al Muhairi, Chief of the School Inspection Bureau, Dr. Wafi Dawood, Head of Excellence Unit, Dr Ayoub Kazim, Director of Dubai Knowledge Village and other senior responsible officers from KHDA.