Civil service regulation amended to permit niqab at work

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended regulations to allow civil servants to wear the niqab while on duty, provided they display official identification.

The amendment, made on Sunday to Article 145(a) of the Civil Service Regulation, outlines the attire requirements for civil servants.

It states that employees must wear appropriate clothing during work hours and are required to wear identification cards or tags when their duties necessitate clear identification.

Previously, the regulation required civil servants to wear clothing that ensured they were “easily identifiable,” emphasizing accountability in public service and enabling clients and colleagues to recognize them.

The revised provision now makes an exception by permitting the niqab, on the condition that civil servants display their official ID cards at work.

The amended article also details guidelines on granting leave to civil servants.