UAE government announces 30% return to work in federal ministries

Workplace attendance rates initially set at 30% and expected to gradually rise as coronavirus crisis subsides

People wearing protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in Dubai. (Pawan Singh / The National)

Almost a third of all UAE federal ministry employees will return to work from Sunday, May 31, it was announced on Wednesday.

The decision, which covers government ministries, authorities and institutions, exempts several categories of workers.

They are pregnant women, peo­ple with disabilities, those with chronic diseases, those who care for children in Grade 9 and below, older workers and those who care for elderly citizens.

Workplace attendance rates will initially be set at 30 per cent and are expected to gradually increase as the coronavirus crisis subsides.

Regular reviews of health situation will evaluate whether it is safe and appropriate to return more employees to the workplace.

Meanwhile, those exempt from the decision can continue to work from home.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said all preventive and precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus must be adhered to.

It said all federal entities must stick to  social distancing protocols among employees, ensure staff can work effectively at home and bring in a flexible attendance system.

At Wednesday’s daily government briefing, 883 new cases of Covid-19 were announced.

“Resuming business is very important but reopening does not mean lifting the precautionary measures," government spokeswoman Dr Amna Al Dhahak said at the briefing.

"They are there to stay – wearing masks, washing your hands regularly, street sterilisation programmes and applying physical distancing at all times.”