Teachers stranded abroad - Schools face shortage of teachers

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The Ministry of Education is facing a new crisis regarding the return of teachers stranded abroad after the decision to ban the entry of travelers from 31 countries, reports Al-Rai daily quoting a source from the educational sector.

Disclosing that dozens of teachers are affected by the decision, the source said the ministry will consider the possibility of excluding them from the decision immediately after the Eid Al-Adha holiday in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other concerned government agencies.

The source emphasized that schools are suffering from an acute shortage of teachers, especially in some disciplines.

The source pointed out that stopping the local and foreign contracts along with the teachers’ annual resignations since the start of the health crisis will negatively affect the start of the next academic year, even if the system of online education is implemented.

The source suggested requesting the Ministry of Health to exempt teachers from the decision like the medical workers.

On the other hand, Al-Qabas daily has reported that Kuwait Teachers Society Chairman Mutee Al-Ajami demanded for exemption of the expatriate teachers from the decision to ban the entry of travelers from 31 countries.  

In a press statement, Al-Ajmi stressed the need for the Ministry of Education to take the necessary steps to facilitate procedures for these teachers’ return to Kuwait; especially after setting the date for the resumption of work for the academic staff in all levels.