The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources issued today a circular to all Federal Ministries and Entities; regarding the new measures that would help combat the Covid-19 pandemic at the Federal Government level, the new measures must be implemented as of 17 January 2021, in line with the directions of the UAE Government in combating the pandemic, limiting its repercussions, and preserving the health of employees in a safe work environment.
The new circular urges all Federal Authorities to implement several procedures for their employees and employees of outsourcing and public services companies. In addition to advisory services staff and Consultant firms that deal with Federal Authorities, as the new procedures is made to protect them and their families from the infection.
With regard to the employees of the Ministries and Federal Entities, the circular stipulated that they must undergo a Nasal Swab Test (PCR) every 14 days; at the employee's own expense, an exception is made for employees who have received the Covid-19 vaccine, and employees who have a medical report or certificate approved by the official health authorities in the country indicating that they cannot receive the Covid-19 vaccine according to their health status, provided that the Federal Government Entity undertakes to conduct a Nasal Swab Test (PCR) for those exempted employees every 14 days.
As for the employees of outsourcing, public services companies etc. those companies that have contracts with Federal Government Entities (current and future) must conduct a nose swab examination (PCR) for their employees who are present, or who will be present on a daily basis in the workplace of a federal entity, every 14 days, at the expense of those contracting companies, with the exception of employees who have received the Covid-19 vaccine.
The circular included the employees of Advisory Services staff and Consultant Firms etc, as in the event of contracting with these companies by the Federal Authorities, and if their employees are required to visit the Federal Entity’s workplace, to attend meetings, discussions and other tasks according to the contract, the Federal Government Entity must ensure that the employees of these companies present a valid examination result for the nasal swab (PCR) for a period of no more than 3 days, except for employees who have received the Covid-19 vaccine.
The circular stated that within the framework of joint cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, the Covid-19 vaccine was provided free of charge in all health centers of the Ministry of Health and Community Protection in all emirates, as well as health centers of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, in addition to a number of private hospitals in the state.
In its Circular No. 2 of 2021, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources urged all Federal Ministries and Entities to encourage their employees and workers to go to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine, with priority given to those who suffer from chronic diseases and senior citizens.