Civil Servants Allowed to Work From Home During Emergencies Under New Rules

Civil servants have been allowed to work from home during emergencies under a new amendment to the Maldives Civil Service Regulations.

The changes were introduced through the 19th Amendment to the Civil Service Regulations, which was gazetted on Thursday.

Under the amendment, employees may work outside the office only after signing a special agreement prescribed by their agency. The agreement requires employees to maintain the confidentiality of work-related information, agency records and all sensitive data.

The arrangement applies only to positions that can be performed remotely. Occupations that require a physical presence in the workplace, including teachers, nurses and senior management staff, are excluded.

The amendment states that permission to work outside the office may be granted following a written request supported by a registered health worker recognised by the Ministry of Health or by a competent overseas authority. Approval is subject to the discretion of the head of the relevant civil service authority and will only be granted if the employee’s duties can be carried out effectively away from the office.

Agencies are required to ensure employees have the necessary equipment, facilities and a safe working environment before approving remote work arrangements.

Supervisors must monitor employees’ attendance and performance on a daily basis while ensuring that the agency’s services continue without disruption.

Employees authorised to work remotely must report to the office if instructed to do so by their authority.

The amendment also allows agencies to revoke remote work permission if an employee is found to be failing to carry out their assigned duties.