The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has introduced new provisions allowing civil servants to work remotely during emergencies, setting out the conditions under which employees may perform their duties without reporting to the office.

The changes, introduced through the 19th Amendment to the Civil Service Regulation, allow employees to request permission to work remotely if they are unable to attend the workplace due to an emergency. Requests must be supported by documentation issued by a health professional registered with the Ministry of Health or by a recognised health facility in the country where the document is issued.

Remote work will only be permitted where an employee's duties can be carried out effectively away from the office. Institutions must also ensure employees have the necessary equipment and working environment to perform their responsibilities, while assigning suitable tasks and monitoring progress to ensure public services continue without interruption.

Employees approved for remote work will be required to sign an agreement with their employer, including provisions on maintaining the confidentiality of official information. The regulation also requires employees to report to the office whenever instructed by their employer, while agencies may withdraw remote work approval if an employee fails to perform duties to the required standard.

The amendment does not apply to positions that require physical attendance. As such, employees including teachers, nurses and senior management staff are excluded from the remote work arrangement because of the nature of their duties.