Half of state employees remain absent amid holiday hustle

• Despite many offices being empty of their employees, transactions for the small number of auditors proceeded smoothly.

• The practice of seeking permission before the end of the workday was widespread, with permission rates reaching 62% in most government agencies.

As is typical, the complex of ministries experienced noticeable employee absenteeism on Sunday, sandwiched between two official holidays. Many employees chose to extend their time off by ‘shaking’ Monday into the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

During Al-Qabas’s tour of the ministries complex, the atmosphere appeared calm. Despite many offices being empty of their employees, transactions for the small number of auditors proceeded smoothly.

With few visitors present, employees engaged in side conversations. Topics ranged from the high prices during Eid, vacation destinations, the recent National Assembly elections, held last Thursday, and the resulting outcomes. Discussions also touched on traffic congestion and predictions for the winners of European League matches.

Low employee attendance

Sources revealed to Al-Qabas that the attendance rate of employees did not exceed 51%. At the same time, the practice of seeking permission before the end of the workday was widespread, with permission rates reaching 62% in most government agencies.

At a time when officials in legal affairs sectors of some government agencies have confirmed to Al-Qabas that employee leaves were pre-planned, it’s noted that every employee has the right to choose their periodic leave date with official approval. Additionally, employees are entitled to medical services as long as there are sufficient personnel to manage patient reception and complete work without delays or disruptions.

Reckoning and punishment

The officials cautioned that anyone absent during Sunday and Monday without a valid excuse will be referred to legal affairs for necessary actions, including employees who clock in but leave work afterward and are under observation.

They emphasized conducting inspection tours to ensure employees’ regularity and transaction completion without delays or failures. They also aim to promptly address customer complaints, aligning with the Council of Ministers’ recommendations on transaction completion and non-disruption of citizen services.