Education Ministry: Work Centers Assigned After Long Leaves Based on School Needs and Operational Requirements

Alaa Khalifa

In line with the Ministry of Education’s commitment to organizing educational and administrative operations and maximizing the utilization of human resources in accordance with school needs and operational requirements, Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabatabai issued a decision regarding the determination of the workplace for members of the teaching and administrative staff in general education schools upon their return from long leaves.

The Ministry of Education clarified that the decision stipulates that the workplace for members of the teaching and administrative staff in general education schools shall be determined upon their return from long leaves, based on the operational needs of the school to which the employee is assigned. It noted that there is no absolute legal obligation compelling the Educational Affairs Sector to retain an employee in their designated workplace, location, or department after returning from a long leave, provided that the transfer or change decision complies with legal regulations and does not constitute a disguised punishment.

The Ministry further explained that the Educational Affairs Sector possesses broad discretionary authority to organize operations and distribute employees in accordance with the public interest and operational needs. It pointed out that an employee’s absence during a long leave—such as maternity leave, study leave, or extended sick leave—may necessitate filling the vacancy with a replacement or restructuring the department.

It emphasized that such measures are taken within the regulatory powers granted to the Educational Affairs Sector, ensuring the continuity of work and the smooth functioning of the public service, while adhering to the legal regulations governing transfer decisions and the determination of workplaces.

The Ministry of Education added that the organization and distribution of teaching and administrative staff are linked to the actual operational needs of schools and departments, enabling the competent authority to address changes resulting from prolonged absences and ensuring the continued performance of tasks and responsibilities assigned to various sectors of the educational establishment.