The Ministry of Education has warned private schools not to withhold graduation certificates if students do not pay their tuition fees. In a recent circular seen by Okaz/Saudi Gazette the Ministry said such an act would seriously affect the students morally and psychologically. However, private school owners have rejected the plea as “illegal” meddling. They claim that three years ago the Board of Grievances clearly sanctioned the holding of the documents until all outstanding dues had been paid. Abdul Rahman Al-Huqbani, Chairman of the National Committee for Private Education at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, said the withholding of documents is not intended to humiliate students or guardians. He stressed that the case was resolved by the Board of Grievances verdict which is irrevocable because it was endorsed by the Appeals Court. He said that the issue between guardians and school authorities is purely a legal one, as it is based on the school providing a service in return for a fee. This governs the agreement between the two parties. Therefore, nobody can intervene in a legal dispute which can only be settled by the beneficiary and service provider. He insisted that private schools are not alone in penalizing fee defaulters. The Saudi Electricity Company cuts off power to customers who do not pay their bills and the Traffic Department withdraws its services and bans defaulters from the roads until the payment of traffic violation fines. “This is similarly applicable to the non-payment of college/school dues,” he said. __
