The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has gazetted an amendment to the Civil Service regulations, establishing a formal framework for emergency-related absences and remote-work arrangements.
Under the revised regulation, civil servants may request permission to work from home or another off-site location during an emergency. To qualify, a medical professional registered with the Ministry of Health or a locally licensed health center must certify that the employee cannot attend the office.
The CSC has attached clear conditions to approval. Permission will be granted only if the employee’s assigned duties can be performed effectively outside the office, and only if the employee has the necessary resources and a suitable working environment.
Employees approved for “work in absentia” must receive tasks suited to remote delivery. Supervisors must monitor their performance daily to ensure public services continue without interruption. If the employer finds the employee’s performance inadequate, the arrangement may be terminated immediately.
The regulation also imposes confidentiality obligations. All staff working off-site must sign a confidentiality agreement, committing to protect official information and to remain reachable for urgent office summons.
Certain roles are excluded from the provision entirely. Teachers, nurses, and senior management staff cannot access the remote-work arrangement, as their duties require physical presence on-site.