Schools face tough rules on renting buildings

International and private schools in the Kingdom are already facing difficulties with the new laws issued by the Ministry of Labor and are poised to come under additional pressure as the Ministry of Education enforces stricter regulations regarding the infrastructure of schools.
A committee composed of members from multiple government agencies — the Ministry of Education, the Civil Defense, the police, the Passport Department, the Ministry of Labor, the Saudi Electrical Company and the National Water Company — will form an inspection body that will examine the condition of school buildings. The committee will be authorized to provide its feedback regarding the fitness and safety of the buildings, and depending on the verdict it issues, schools will either be given consent to rent the premises or requested to make amendments to the building.
Authorities are looking into safety hazards in private villas and apartments leased by schools and are also inspecting unapproved room structure modifications being carried out.
According to sources in the Ministry of Education, building owners and real estate companies are required to obtain approval prior to renting the premises to schools.
Any department found in violation of the rules will face punitive action.
Students’ safety and preventive measures for unforeseen calamities are cited as prime reasons for the new tightened regulations.