CSC Updates Dress Code, Bans Highlights and Bright Hair Colours for Female Employees

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has updated regulations for government employees, introducing a ban on female staff colouring or highlighting their hair in bright colours. 

Under the new rules, women are required to maintain neat hair and may only darken it, while bright or unconventional shades are prohibited.

The revised dress code provides detailed guidance on workplace attire. Female employees are required to wear clothing that fits appropriately, with hems no shorter than two inches from the bottom and the bust covered in a manner deemed socially acceptable, along with suitable footwear. Sleeve lengths are specified: short sleeves should extend from the shoulder to the elbow, while long sleeves must reach the wrist.

Trousers or sneakers worn with jackets must meet office-appropriate standards, and shirts and suit jackets should be worn so that no part of the upper chest is exposed. The regulations also state that clothing materials must be suitable for an office environment, though it does not define what constitutes office-appropriate material.

For male employees, the regulations specify that shirts should be either long-sleeved, reaching the wrist, or short-sleeved, with sleeves no more than two inches above the elbow. Ties must be free from words, images, cartoons, or drawings. Male staff are also prohibited from wearing makeup or jewellery, except for a ring. Decorative items or ornaments are not allowed in the workplace.

The Civil Service Commission noted that previous regulations were not strictly enforced, but the updated rules provide detailed guidance for compliance and disciplinary action.

The move to tighten dress code and grooming standards came at a time when President Mohamed Muizzu met with residents of Malé City and highlighted the importance of maintaining professional standards among civil servants.