Law ministry warns of ‘punishment’ over office attendance irregularities

Employees will face disciplinary action if they fail to arrive at the office by 9am, a ministerial office order says

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has taken a firm stance against irregularities over workplace attendance.

A ministerial office order issued on Monday warned that employees will face disciplinary action if they fail to arrive at the office by 9am, or leave before the designated time without prior permission.

Unauthorised absence, leaving the workplace early, and late arrival are punishable offences under the Government Employee (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019, it reads.

The order also said all employees must be present at their offices by 9am on working days.

No one is permitted to leave the premises before the official closing time.

Employees may not leave office before 5pm, and during the month of Ramadan, they may not depart before 3:30pm.

Should it be necessary to leave the office for official or urgent matters during working hours, permission must be obtained from the relevant head of the sub-division (joint secretary or solicitor).

In accordance with the 2019 rules, the departure must be recorded in the attendance register and logged via the digital attendance system.

The ministry warned that any violation of these regulations will result in disciplinary proceedings.