Students over the age of 12 returning to school or university in Saudi Arabia this week are required to show proof of vaccination via the Kingdom’s COVID-19 tracing application, it has been announced.

According to the country’s Ministry of Education, students will only be granted access to school premises subject to being fully immunised against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination status is available through the Tawakkalna mobile app.

More than six million students attending intermediate or secondary school, or university are returning to on-site learning following a hiatus of 17 months. Preschool and elementary pupils will continue with homeschooling until further notice.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Tawakkalna app was first created to issue electronic permits for government and private-sector workers required to commute during lockdown.

Today, it offers functions such COVID-19 tracing, health and vaccine status, and can also be used for travel.

Earlier this month, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and SDAIA signed an agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for Tawakkalna to be linked to the global IATA Travel Pass. The pass will be accepted in Saudi airports from 30 September 2021.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of IATA Travel Pass will demonstrate how digital solutions can effectively manage both COVID-19 vaccine and test certificates. The trust that the KSA has placed in IATA Travel Pass is an example for other governments to follow,” said IATA’s director general, Willie Walsh.

Saudi Arabia lifted the suspension on the entry of tourist visa holders – provided they are fully vaccinated – on 1 August. Four vaccines are recognised: Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Janssen.

ON THE RECORD

“We are closely following up the schools’ plans for receiving students and methods to regulate their entry and exit, along with the redistribution of tables at classrooms to ensure social distancing,” said the deputy minister of education, Saad Bin Saud Al Fahid.