Bahrain: Public Entities to Start Working Remotely on March 22
In line with the directives of the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to implement remote working at public entities whenever possible, Civil Service Bureau (CSB) President, Ahmed bin Zayed Al-Zayed, announced the activation of teleworking at ministries and government departments and public institutions, starting from Sunday, March 22, according to the requirements of work, and provided that the services delivered to the citizens and residents are not affected.
Al-Zayed stressed that working from home shall be applied on all public sector employees according to the emergency level and the requirements of work at each entity, provided that it is done by 50% of staff as a maximum.
CSB President indicated that employees shall carry out their duties alternately from home or at their work places for two weeks, adding that the government bodies shall determine the jobs and employees covered by this percentage.
CSB’s decision excludes all non-administrative positions in the vital government agencies that are specified by the Civil Service Bureau in coordination with the relevant government entities, and in accordance with the requirements of public interests.
CSB President indicated that applying distance working aims to reduce the number of employees at the work sites in order to contribute to containing and preventing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
He stressed that family needs during the suspension of studying at educational institutions should be taken into consideration, adding that priority should be given to the elderly and employees with chronic diseases and underlying health conditions, as well as pregnant women, and female employees who are entitled to two-hour care leaves.
Al-Zayed indicated that CSB will issue the criteria and guidelines regulating remote working at ministries, public entities and government bodies.
