KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: To enhance workplace accountability, the Ministry has announced new attendance regulations that will be implemented beginning Sunday. These changes include the introduction of facial recognition or fingerprint verification during official working hours to confirm employee presence.

According to the new rules, employees must verify their entry, exit, and presence at the workplace using either fingerprint or facial recognition systems. This move is designed to ensure strict adherence to leave regulations and the prescribed grace period.

Employees must verify their presence within 60 minutes following the expiration of two hours from the start of their shift. However, this requirement is waived if the employee has obtained leave and completed the necessary signing within the 60-minute window.

Failure to comply with the new verification process within the designated 60-minute period will result in the employee being considered absent without permission during official working hours. The time from two hours after the start of their shift until the fingerprint is taken will be counted toward their monthly unpunctuality, as outlined in Article 18 of Civil Service Council Resolution No. 6/2024.

The Ministry’s Information Systems Department will coordinate with the Civil Service Bureau to manage the fingerprint data for Ministry of Education employees, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.

The Ministry has urged all employees to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the new regulations, emphasizing that awareness and compliance are essential.

Fingerprint Timing Guidelines Announced:

• For shifts starting at 7:00 AM, the attendance verification window is from 9:01 AM to 10:00 AM.
• For shifts starting at 7:30 AM, the attendance verification window is from 9:31 AM to 10:30 AM.
• For shifts starting at 8:00 AM, the attendance verification window is from 10:01 AM to 11:00 AM.

These measures are part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and ensure that employees maintain a strong commitment to their duties.