Activating mobile committees for testing patients and prisoners in Saudi Arabia
In a move reflecting a firm commitment to the principle of “Education for All” and overcoming circumstantial obstacles, the Saudi Ministry of Education announced, coinciding with the start of the first semester exams, the activation of the “Mobile Exam Committees” system. This humanitarian and procedural initiative aims to enable students whose health or legal circumstances prevent them from attending school to take their exams wherever they are, whether they are hospitalized, detained in correctional facilities, or confined to their homes due to compelling health reasons.
Human context and an inherent right to education
This step complements the Kingdom's efforts to develop the educational environment and make it more inclusive and flexible, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which focuses on ensuring equal educational opportunities for all segments of society. Historically, compelling circumstances have posed a significant obstacle to the continuation of education for many students, leading to academic delays or dropout. However, activating these committees establishes a modern concept of educational management that prioritizes the student's best interests over logistical considerations, transforming education from a rigid school duty into a fundamental human right that accompanies students wherever they may be.
Precise mechanisms for testing detainees
In detailing the organizational procedures, the Ministry directed the formation of specialized committees to deal with students detained in prisons or juvenile detention centers. Each committee consists of two teachers who go directly to the detention facility after obtaining a written statement from the student confirming their willingness and readiness to take the exam. To ensure that no student misses the opportunity, the Ministry activated a cross-regional coordination mechanism. If a student is detained in an area outside their home school's jurisdiction, direct coordination takes place between the relevant education departments to guarantee the secure and reliable delivery of exam papers and answer sheets.
Care for hospitalized students and home cases
The regulations did not overlook hospitalized students, stipulating that committees be formed to visit the student in their room and enable them to take the exam, provided that the parent or guardian gives written consent. The ministry granted significant administrative flexibility, allowing the nearest school to the hospital to administer the exam on behalf of the student's original school, especially if the student is receiving treatment outside their home region. The results would then be sent and officially approved.
As for students with chronic health conditions or infectious diseases that prevent them from leaving home, based on approved medical reports, the Ministry has put in place an exceptional solution, which is to form a tripartite committee (comprising the school principal, the student counselor, and a teacher) to conduct the test at the student’s home, with the requirement that the parent be present to ensure the safety of the procedures and provide a suitable environment.
Expected social and educational impact
This decision has implications that extend beyond the academic sphere; it represents significant psychological support for students and their families, alleviating anxiety about their academic future during health crises or difficult circumstances. This measure also helps minimize learning loss and ensures that the academic progress of students who must travel abroad for medical treatment is not disrupted, as the regulations classify them as having "excuses," granting them flexible options such as taking make-up exams or rescheduling exams in cases of extreme necessity.
The ministry concluded by emphasizing that these humanitarian facilities do not mean compromising standards, as all mobile committees are subject to the same monitoring and confidentiality controls applied inside school halls, to ensure fairness and equality in evaluating the academic achievement of all students.
