The Prime Minister has ordered the disbursement of the first and second quarter allowances for Yemeni students studying abroad.
Prime Minister Directs Payment of Scholarships for Yemeni Students Abroad
In a significant move to support Yemeni students studying overseas, Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Brek has ordered the immediate disbursement of their financial entitlements for the first and second quarters of 2024. This directive aims to expedite the transfer of funds to embassies and cultural attachés.
Urgent Meeting in Aden
During a joint meeting held in Aden on Wednesday, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of completing the necessary procedures for these payments. He acknowledged the financial pressures faced by Yemeni students abroad due to delays in receiving their funds. Despite the ongoing challenges, he reassured students that the government is committed to providing them with the necessary support and creating conducive study environments. He highlighted that these students represent the future of Yemen and play a crucial role in the country’s development.
Commitment to Students
“Our students abroad are our face to the world and our true investment in the future,” the Prime Minister stated. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting them, even amid the country’s economic difficulties. The government is striving to ensure a minimum level of stability for their living and educational conditions.
Reforms in Scholarship Management
Prime Minister bin Brek instructed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to continue refining scholarship lists, reduce expenses, and eliminate names of ineligible candidates. He stressed the importance of fairness and equal opportunity in awarding scholarships, particularly in scientific and rare fields that require specialized studies. The Prime Minister urged relevant ministries to regulate the scholarship process and establish transparent criteria to prevent favoritism and ensure equitable access.
Financial Oversight and Future Plans
Dr. Khaled Al-Wasabi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, discussed the reforms implemented from 2021 to 2025. He reported a reduction in scholarship expenses from $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 to approximately $5.58 million in the first quarter of 2024. The number of students receiving scholarships has also decreased from 5,606 to 3,153, marking a 44% reduction. The ministry aims to focus scholarships on scientific disciplines and cultural exchange agreements while enhancing transparency in student selection.
Dr. Al-Wasabi also announced plans to present a proposal to the Cabinet to halt external scholarships and replace them with internal grants for top-performing students starting in 2026.
Coordination with Financial Authorities
Deputy Minister of Finance Hani Wahab addressed the ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education regarding scholarship disbursements. He highlighted the need for proposals to ensure timely payments to students abroad and discussed existing challenges and solutions. Wahab mentioned the development of an electronic system in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, which aims to resolve many issues and expedite the review and disbursement processes.
Conclusion
The meeting included key officials, such as Dr. Ali Atbush, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Ambassador Mujib Othman, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister. They, along with other officials from the Ministries of Finance and Higher Education, are committed to ensuring that Yemeni students abroad receive the support they need to succeed.
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