Middle East Update - Guidance for Students and Partners
04 March 2026 12:00 (GMT)

The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We continue to monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East closely and remain in regular contact with the relevant authorities and our partners on the ground.

Our EP Dubai team continues to work tirelessly to support students, ensuring they receive clear information and practical assistance where required. To maintain clarity and avoid confusion, communications are being sent directly to affected students, and we are also providing updates here for our partners.
In line with the latest guidance, classes at EP Dubai will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the week. Students should continue to check their email and Teams regularly for lesson links and updates from their teachers.
Students have also been advised to:
  • Register with their home country’s embassy or consulate and follow official updates, including any information regarding repatriation assistance.
  • Follow guidance from their airline if they have a scheduled flight.
  • Avoid travelling to the airport unless their airline has confirmed that their flight is operating.
Below is a summary of the current operational measures in place.
Accommodation & Extensions

We are working closely with our residence and hotel partners to ensure that no student is left without accommodation.
  • State Support: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that hosting and accommodation costs for stranded passengers will be covered.
  • Our Approach: English Path is supporting all affected students with accommodation extensions where required. Students should not be asked to pay out-of-pocket for emergency nights. We remain in active communication with providers to ensure compliance with DET non-eviction directives.
Visa & Immigration Status

For students whose visas may expire during this period:
  • Overstay Fines: UAE authorities (GDRFA/ICP) have confirmed that overstays resulting directly from flight suspensions will be excused.
  • Process: Students do not need to attend immigration offices. Their status will be regularised upon departure by presenting the original cancelled flight ticket.
Student Communication & Welfare

Student safety and wellbeing remain our top priority.
  • Daily Updates: Regular updates are being shared with students through official EP WhatsApp groups and email to provide clear guidance and reduce uncertainty.
  • Under 18s on Adult Courses: Individual welfare checks are being conducted for all students under 18 enrolled on adult programmes. Our team is ensuring they have appropriate supervision, meals and direct access to staff support at all times.
Incoming Students (Start Dates: 27 February – 16 March)

For students travelling individually with a course start date between 27 February and 16 March who are unable to travel from their home country, we are offering flexibility.
Tuition-only bookings
  • For students unable to travel, a credit note will be issued for the full tuition amount.
  • This credit may be used at any English Path destination and will remain valid in line with our standard credit policy.
Bookings with accommodation
  • Amendment requests will be reviewed and accommodated wherever possible.
  • No-show fees will be waived for bookings with start dates between 27 February and 6 March.
  • Under our standard Terms & Conditions, free cancellation requires six weeks’ notice. However, for accommodation bookings with start dates between 27 February and 16 March, late accommodation cancellation fees will be waived.
EP Visa Service
  • Visa fees remain non-refundable and will still apply in the event of a cancellation.
Important Visa / Permit Note
  • Students must carefully check their visa or entry permit expiry date when planning revised travel.
  • For new students whose visa or entry permit may expire this week or next week, we are awaiting further guidance from the relevant authorities and will share updates as soon as they are available.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates if required.
To ensure messaging remains clear and coordinated, please direct any specific agent or parent enquiries to the relevant English Path department.
We would also like to thank our Dubai team, who continue to work tirelessly to support our students during this period.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
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