The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Monday announced the cancellation of all exceptions granted to UAE government employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per a circular issued by the Authority, all exceptions granted to employees, including their exclusions from returning to workplaces as part of COVID-19 precautionary measures, stand cancelled with effect from May 16, Sunday.

With this development, all federal government employees are required to report to work in person from May 16. The decision has been taken by the Federal Authority in coordination with the Cabinet General Secretariat and the Ministry of Health.

However, female employees whose children are engaged in online education can continue to avail the exception till the end of the current academic year, the circular added.

Furthermore, non-vaccinated employees are required to undergo COVID-19 PCR tests on a weekly basis at their own expense. In case, an employee has a medical reason for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, they are required to present a medical report to prove the same. Their PCR tests will be conducted at the expense of their employer, the circular by the Authority noted.

Meanwhile, the Federal Authority has called on all relevant entities to comply with necessary safety protocols and regulations, with emphasis on maintaining physical distancing between employees at workplaces. The circular underlined the significance of following measures to ensure the health and safety of all federal employees.