KUWAIT CITY, Oct 21: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that the number of unemployed citizens registered with them has reached 14,919, with the majority being university graduates. In response to this, the Bureau has initiated the implementation of the Cabinet’s directive regarding the evening work system in government agencies, which will commence on January 5, 2025.

This new system will establish official evening working hours for government employees, from Sunday to Thursday, with a total of four and a half hours of work each day. The evening shift will start no earlier than 3:30 p.m., and during the holy month of Ramadan, the working hours will be determined by each agency based on their specific work conditions. Notably, the flexible working hours system will not apply to employees working the evening shift.

The Civil Service Commission has stipulated several conditions for employees wishing to work under this system. Employees must submit a request, and approval is at the discretion of the administrative body, based on public interest. Furthermore, the number of employees assigned to the evening shift should not exceed 30 percent of the total workforce of the agency, although this percentage can be increased with the approval of the Bureau.

Employees working the evening shift must commit to a minimum of seven consecutive months. It is not permissible to switch back to the morning shift before this period ends without the approval of the competent authority. Additionally, employees covered by the evening shift system will not be eligible for reduced working hours, and the partial absence system without pay will not apply to them.

Government agencies are also required to determine methods for overseeing evening work and appointing supervisors. However, this should not lead to the creation of new supervisory positions within the organizational structure. The selection of employees for the evening shift must be carefully managed to prevent any disruption to morning work.

In line with these regulations, employees on the evening shift are entitled to a 15-minute grace period at the start of their shift, with an additional 15 minutes for female employees at the end of the day. Leave for evening shift workers will be limited to two instances per month, with a maximum of six hours in total.

The Civil Service Commission emphasized that this new system does not affect an employee’s rights or duties, as all other regulations stipulated by law will continue to apply. This includes adhering to the rules and provisions set out in the Civil Service Council’s resolution.

As the Bureau works to finalize the nomination procedures for the 14,919 registered unemployed citizens, it remains focused on the successful rollout of the evening work system. The new system aims to ensure the smooth functioning of government agencies while accommodating the needs of employees and maintaining efficiency across both morning and evening shifts.

Key points:

Official evening hours: 4.5 hours, from Sunday to Thursday.

Evening shift cannot start before 3:30 p.m.No flexible hours for evening shift employees.

Employee must apply for the evening shift, subject to approval.

Maximum of 30% of employees can be assigned to the evening shift.

Minimum commitment: 7 consecutive months.

No reduction in working hours or partial absence without pay allowed.

Limited grace periods: 15 minutes at the start and end of shifts.

Leave: Two times per month, not exceeding six hours.

The Civil Service Commission has made it clear that these changes will enhance the management of government operations while providing employment opportunities under a structured and regulated system.