The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, informing them about the updated measures implemented at the federal government level to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures have been implemented in accordance with the directives of the UAE government and in coordination with relevant authorities and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. As per the circular, the "Green Pass Protocol" has been imposed for all federal government employees. The FAHR has also standardised all resolutions related to the COVID-19 preventive measures with the aim of ensuring the continuity of work for all federal government entities.

Furthermore, the authority has urged all ministries and federal authorities to ensure that their employees have taken the COVID-19 booster vaccine doses.

The authority stressed on ensuring that all federal government employees receive their booster vaccine doses within a month of the issuance of the circular.

This measure is also in line with UAE-approved booster doses guidelines, which include vaccination time frames and eligibility for each vaccine. These protocols are aimed at achieving optimal efficiency in the implementation of Green Pass on the Al Hosn app.

The circular further reiterated that unvaccinated employees will not be allowed to enter the federal government entities with effect from January 3, 2022. It also underlined the significance of compliance with COVID-19 safety measures for federal government entities. Federal entities must also call on their employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible in order to be permitted to enter their workplace.

Furthermore, the authority has directed all federal government entities to regulate procedures for employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts in line with FAHR's instruction manual on handling employees who are suspected or confirmed infected or close contacts. All entities are required to follow the protocols related to registering such cases, application of remote work, and functioning of federal government-approved electronic systems.

In conclusion, the authority highlighted the urgency of compliance with COVID-19 protocols by all federal authorities in line with national efforts to limit the spread of epidemics in workplaces, Entities must implement FAHR-issued instruction manual that underscores the operations of office work and working from the office in emergency situations as well as how to manage with visitors. It also entails a penalty guide of the violations committees at federal government entities to manage those employees who violate the precautionary measures.

The authority also noted that the procedures and guidelines are subjected to updates and amendments in accordance with the latest situation in the country. All amendments will be made in coordination with authorities concerned with emergencies and crises.

 WAM