New regulations for disbursing special education allowance to teachers and administrators
New regulations to ensure fair employment in the education sector
The Ministry of Education issued decisive and urgent directives regarding the mechanisms for disbursing the "Special Education Allowance" to teaching and administrative staff. This step aims to curb financial waste and ensure that financial entitlements reach their rightful recipients. These measures are part of the Ministry's efforts to achieve the highest standards of employment fairness. The Ministry emphasized that the allowance will be limited to those actively engaged in direct fieldwork with students with disabilities, thus excluding administrative and clerical positions that do not require direct contact with the target group, unless supported by an official and documented assignment.
General context and organizational background of the decision
This decision comes within the broader context of administrative and financial reforms underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing the efficiency of government spending. The issue of educational allowances has long been a subject of extensive discussion within educational circles, and the Ministry, through its "Faris" electronic system, seeks to automate processes and control inputs to ensure transparency. This approach reflects the Ministry's commitment to developing and streamlining the educational work environment, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing human capital and improving the quality of services provided to people with disabilities.
Details of the regulations and application process via the Fares system
The ministry clarified that the disbursement process will be entirely electronic through the "Faris" system. The direct supervisor is required to accurately enter the data, including the eligibility date and job category, and to attach the supporting documents. The ministry has firmly rejected verbal assignments, emphasizing that they are not legally valid for disbursing the allowance. Only a formal, written assignment specifying the duration and nature of the work is acceptable. This applies to both specialized teachers and non-specialized teachers (such as general subject teachers) who are required to teach students with disabilities, subject to strict conditions that prevent unjustified expansion of the disbursement.
Eligible categories and approved allowance rates
The Ministry detailed the approved allowance percentages in its circular, setting a 20% allowance for teachers specializing in special education, as well as for non-specialized teachers who teach this category according to regulations. The percentage rises to 30% for teachers specializing in behavioral training, provided they possess the required qualifications and are actively working. Conversely, educational supervisors and department heads are excluded from receiving the allowance except in specific cases requiring regular and documented field visits, thus preventing the allowance from being used for purely administrative tasks.
The expected impact of the decision on the educational field
This regulation is expected to have a tangible positive impact at both the local and sectoral levels. Locally, the decision will enhance the confidence of educational staff in the integrity of the administrative system and encourage specialists to remain in the field and work directly with students instead of being drawn into administrative tasks. Furthermore, directing financial resources to those actively involved will positively impact the quality of education provided to students with disabilities, ensuring the availability of qualified and financially motivated staff to address their specific needs, which aligns with international standards for the care and education of people with disabilities.
