The Ministry of Labor launched raids on the male sections of international schools on Tuesday to check on the work permits of expatriate staff. Padma Hariharan, director and head of Novel International Group of Institutions, confirmed that the inspectors had raided the male section of her school just as elementary students were heading home. “The ministry's officers first checked the drivers' iqamas and bus papers outside. Then they came into the administration office and checked the iqamas of workers including the principal of the boys section.”

Hariharan said the inspectors then went to check on the cleaners and canteen workers.

Shazia Khan, a teacher at an international school, told Arab News that most female teachers at various international schools have one-year work permits from the ministry. Others have until Jan. 6 to get their permits, she said.

Khan said she did not know about the inspections but many of the male teachers were absent since Monday from the school.

Mona Madani, an officer at the Labor Ministry, confirmed that the inspections took place. “Yes, the ministry teams are inspecting international and private schools, especially if someone calls and complains about irregularities. However, these inspections have been going on since Muharram 1 on a regular basis,” said Madani.