The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has updated its procedures in view of the ongoing efforts aimed at containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAHR took to social media to spread awareness about its updated compulsory PCR test procedures for all federal employees, who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19.

FAHR had earlier announced that those federal government employees who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine jab are mandatorily required to take a PCR test every seven days. However, in its newly updated procedures, the FAHR has stated that those employees who have received the first dose of the vaccine will also have to take the PCR tests every seven days.

The Authority has also added that this procedure will continue till the employees take their second vaccine dose after 28 days. At the same time, they will have to provide a piece of evidence confirming that they have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to be exempted from the mandatory requirement.

Unvaccinated employees have been asked to take the PCR test every seven days at their own cost. Those employees who cannot take the COVID-19 vaccine due to health conditions are also required to take a PCR test every seven days. However, the expense of their test will be paid by the company they work for.

Experts and consultants who are required to be physically present in government offices or have to attend meetings on the premises have also been asked to provide a negative PCR test result that is taken no more than three days before the appointment. Meanwhile, those consultants who have taken both vaccine shots have been exempted from this requirement.