UAE government hikes staff capacity at offices to 50% from June 7

Half of all UAE government employees will return to offices starting Sunday, June 7, it has been announced.

The government said the decision, which applies to all ministries and federal authorities, follows the “successful return” of 30 per cent of staff to offices last week, official news agency WAM reported.

“The moves falls within the efforts to restore normalcy of government work and the gradual return of employees and services,” added the announcement.

Under the decision, certain categories will be exempt from returning to offices and will continue to work remotely. These include –

– Pregnant women

– People of determination

– People with compromised immunity and chronic diseases, including asthma and diabetics (provided they have approved medical reports confirming their illnesses)

– Elderly employees

– Female employees catering for children in grade 9 and below and children of determination whose conditions entail constant care

– Employees in shared accommodation with people who are susceptible to health risks

The decision also emphasises on ensuring the full readiness of all workplaces to receive employees in terms of physical distancing norms.

Some of the measures currently in place include the mandatory use of face masks and gloves, a ban on handshakes, and regular hand sanitisation.

Prayer rooms and shared areas are closed and glass barriers have to installed for customer facing roles.

A flexible attendance system will be applied to ensure the safety of all employees upon their entry and exit from the office, the statement added.

In Dubai, 50 per cent of government employees had resumed work at offices from May 31, with everyone expected to return from June 14, 2020.

Read: All Dubai government employees to begin working out of offices from June 14