Q: I’m a 23 years old college student, Jordanian living in UAE. I want to know… A: No, your father has no legal right to ban you from going to the University…

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Freedom of practicing religion

Hello,

I'm a 23 years old college student, Jordanian living in the UAE. I want to know whether it is legally permitted for a father to ban his daughter from going to her university because she decided to take off her hijab/head scarf.

Thank you

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Ahmed Elnaggar

Dar Al Balagh Advocates and Legal Consultancy

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30 May 2017, 07:19

No, your father has no legal right to ban you from going to the University. It is your legal right to study and to practice whatever religion the way you see fit, as long as your practices are not in anyway against the UAE culture and traditions. In your case, taking off the head scarf is not against any of the laws, regulations or traditions.

However, your father - if in case he is your only financial supporter - has a huge tool to use against you which is money that funds your education and living. He, on the other hand, is not obliged by law to support your education or any extras than the regular normal support of food and shelter. If you can support your own education expenses, then he has no right to ban you from going to University.

If you may need more legal assistance you can contact me: ah_elnaggar@hotmail.com

30 May 2017, 12:07

Thank you for answering me, Mr. Ahmad :)

Fortunately, I attend a governmental university, so my father doesn't pay for my educational fees. But I have another concern: could my sponsor in this case my father have the ability to stop this sponsorship and send me back to our hometown Jordan for any reason? (we are residents in UAE for more than 23 years now)

31 May 2017, 10:10

You have a couple of options:

1. To be sponsored by your mother "In case she is in agreement with your plans, and in case she is a high level working professional with at least AED 12,000 monthly"

2. To be sponsored by the University itself "In this case you have to approach your University and speak with them to check their ability because not all educational institutes can provide the sponsorship, and in case they do, you will have to check your eligibility to be granted such sponsorship".

3. To find a job "You are in an age that allows you to work in the UAE. In this case, you will be sponsored by the company itself". Of course, you have to understand the responsibilities and working hours before you enrol yourself in such commitment while you need time to attend your classes and have enough time to study. It is not an easy job but it is doable if Education is of great importance to you. Also, the consequences of such option are probably being forced to be more independent by moving out of your family's accommodation and to live somewhere close to your work. So, you should make sure your income of the job can support your new life. Dubai is an expensive city :)

I know that maybe my advice is exceeding a legal answer to a question now. However, what your questions are leading to is a life changer and you have to understand the consequences of your decisions and to be able to take responsibility as much as you want to take charge of your life. Good luck.

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