Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Ban Graduation Ceremonies Outside Schools
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have banned graduation ceremonies outside educational institutions, a move seen as aimed at easing financial pressure on students' families.
The Saudi Ministry of Education has issued a decree limiting such events to school premises and under specific regulations, according to media reports.
Similarly, Kuwaiti Minister of Education Jalal Al Tabtabaei decreed that ceremonies — whether marking graduation, academic distinction, or other occasions — should be held within school premises only, and not outside.
The decree directed school administrations to coordinate and hold such celebrations in accordance with the relevant regulations approved by the ministry.
According to Kuwaiti newspaper Al Seyassah , citing informed sources, the decree was preceded by an extensive study covering the expected repercussions and cautious reactions, particularly from private and foreign schools in the country.The study concluded that the decree will be applied to all schools in Kuwait.
Saudi education advisor Fawzia Al Waqit commended the decision as 'wise.'
In remarks to TV channel Al Saudiya , she pointed to violations at some graduation ceremonies, noting they had turned into expensive events. According to her, some halls where such celebrations are held cost nearly SR120,000, paid for by parents — not to mention the expenses for graduation gowns and food.
Such extravagance, she added, may make some students feel marginalised and lead to unhealthy comparisons among graduates.
'The decision comes within the framework of the ministry's commitment to fairness and equal opportunities among students, and preserving the educational objectives of graduation ceremonies,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
10 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Raises Court Fees to Curb Rise in Frivolous Lawsuits
Kuwait has raised judicial fees for the first time in decades in a bid to reduce the number of frivolous and malicious lawsuits crowding its courts. The Cabinet approved the move last week, amending provisions of Law No. 17 of 1973 to increase the cost of accessing the country's judicial system. The new fee structure is intended to ensure that the right to litigation is exercised with seriousness, while also encouraging parties to pursue alternatives such as arbitration and conciliation. The reforms were approved during the Cabinet's weekly meeting, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed Al Abdullah. In the same session, the government endorsed additional legal amendments to protect Kuwait's education system, particularly during intermediate and secondary school examinations. Under revisions to the Penal Code, two new articles 259 bis and 259 bis A introduce stricter penalties for cheating-related offenses. The leaking, selling, or distribution of exam materials now carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of 1,000 to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars. Unauthorised tampering with student exam papers or grades could result in up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of 5,000 to 10,000 dinars. The government said the amendments are aimed at preserving the credibility of Kuwait's academic institutions and ensuring fair competition among students. The changes come amid rising reports of exam-related misconduct, particularly during national testing periods. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to national development, vowing to accelerate key infrastructure projects and remove regulatory hurdles that threaten to delay implementation. Also read: Kuwait Ends 19-year Visa Ban on Pakistanis, Thousands of Jobs Ahead
Gulf Insider
11 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Ends 19-year Visa Ban on Pakistanis
Kuwait's decision to lift a 19-year visa ban on Pakistani citizens has opened wide range of employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, oil, and skilled labour sectors. The Gulf nation, facing rising demand for qualified workers, is now actively recruiting professionals from Pakistan including an initial batch of 1,200 nurses to support its workforce needs. With access restored to work, family, tourist, and business visas, the move promises a major boost for Pakistani jobseekers looking to build careers abroad, while deepening economic cooperation between the two nations. New era Kuwait's decision to lift ban on Pakistani citizens is set to usher in a new era of economic cooperation, labor mobility, and people-to-people connectivity between the two nations. Effective immediately, Pakistani nationals can now apply for a wide range of Kuwaiti visas, including work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial categories. The resumption of visa services is being widely hailed as a positive step, reflecting Kuwait's confidence in Pakistan's improved security environment and its growing interest in strengthening bilateral ties. Key benefits for Pakistan Thousands of skilled Pakistani workers, especially in the healthcare and oil sectors, now have renewed access to jobs in lifting of the visa restriction marks a strategic shift toward deeper economic collaboration. Kuwait is actively seeking skilled labour, and Pakistan, with its large, trained workforce, stands to gain significantly. The renewed access to Kuwaiti markets also creates openings for Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. Diplomatic and cultural relationsBeyond economics, the decision enhances people-to-people contact, allowing families to reunite and tourists to explore both nations. This development reflects mutual trust and the evolving maturity of Pakistan-Kuwait relations. Labour agreementsA new labour Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in the pipeline, aimed at regulating and safeguarding the rights of Pakistani workers in Kuwait. This will provide a more structured and secure framework for labor migration. All visa applications can now be processed through Kuwait's online platform, making it easier and faster for Pakistanis to apply and plan their travel or employment. Dr Zaffar Iqbal, Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait, welcomed the development, stating: 'This is a significant milestone in Pakistan-Kuwait relations. The reopening of visa channels for Pakistanis will not only address Kuwait's labor needs but also uplift thousands of families in Pakistan.' Also read: Gulf Air Flight Lands Safely In Kuwait After Bomb Threat
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Man Jailed For Illegal Hajj Pilgrimage Operation
A Saudi resident has been jailed for a year for setting up an illegal Hajj operation with the intention of obtaining funds through deception via social media. The public prosecution referred the defendant to the criminal court after he was found in possession of receipts connecting him to the criminal operation. A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine, along with the confiscation of all devices and tools used in the crime. The public prosecution said the creation of fake Hajj operations was a major crime punishable by detention and added that it would continue to pursue those who broke Hajj regulations. Meanwhile, Hajj security forces arrested 36 residents who tried to enter Makkah without the correct permits. They were referred to the relevant authority.
