'Work to continue at no more than 30% capacity': CSC Kuwait

The Civil Service Commission (CSC), Kuwait, has confirmed that government work will continue at no more than 30% employee capacity across public sector entities amid the current exceptional circumstances, while services to the public will continue through adjusted working hours and operational systems.

In a circular issued by the commission, the CSC stated that the decision comes in light of the ongoing situation and the need to ensure continuity of government services while safeguarding employees and the public.

“Due to the circumstances the country is currently going through, and in the interest of the Civil Service Commission to facilitate the completion of transactions and ensure the continuity of services for all beneficiaries at the customer reception hall, the Civil Service Commission announces the visiting hours for clients under the current circumstances,” the circular stated.

Speaking in a radio interview, Her Excellency Narges Yahya Abdulrasoul, Assistant Undersecretary at the Civil Service Commission, confirmed that the decision remains in force under the latest circulars issued this year.

“At the beginning of the crisis, Circular No. 4 of 2026 was issued, setting the number of employees working in government entities at no more than 30%. Recently, Circular No. 7 of 2026 confirmed the continuation of this percentage, not exceeding 30% of the workforce in each government entity,” she said.

She added that government entities may request an increase in the percentage if necessary, depending on the nature of their work and public service requirements.

Reduced working hours

H.E Abdulrasoul also explained that official working hours had been reduced to support government operations under current conditions.

“Official working hours are originally seven hours according to the Civil Service Law. They have been reduced by one hour to help government entities provide services under the current conditions,” she said.

She noted that actual working hours currently stand at approximately 5.5 hours for men and 5 hours for women, with flexibility provided particularly for working mothers.

“Mothers are working very hard, especially with children studying online, so there is some flexibility for mothers. They really deserve appreciation for their efforts,” she added.

Mandatory rotation and frontline services

CSC Kuwait has also implemented a mandatory rotation system across government entities to maintain service continuity.

“According to Circular No. 4 and reaffirmed by Circular No. 7 of 2026, a mandatory rotation system will be applied in all government entities: 30% working in offices and 70% on rotation, to ensure the continuation of government services,”  H.E Abdulrasoul explained.

However, frontline government services will continue operating normally depending on operational requirements.

Shift work unchanged, evening shifts suspended

The CSC confirmed that shift-based work systems in essential services remain unchanged.

“Regarding shift work, their work system has not been changed at all due to the nature of their jobs, as the country needs them under normal and current conditions,” she said.

Evening shifts, however, have been suspended for safety reasons, with employees transferred to morning shifts.

Exemptions and special categories

The commission also announced exemptions for certain employee groups, including people with disabilities.

“We received a letter from the Public Authority for Disability Affairs requesting exemption for employees with disabilities during this period for their safety and health. Therefore, they are fully exempt from work in all government entities during this period,”  H.E Abdulrasoul said.

Employees who already have reduced working hours due to medical or other approved reasons will continue under their existing arrangements, provided their working hours do not fall below four hours per day.

Addressing rumours and ensuring service continuity

H.E Abdulrasoul also addressed rumours circulating on social media regarding work systems and government operations.

“We are in continuous meetings with leadership, receiving directives and implementing instructions according to the situation, which changes from time to time. Our goal is to ensure the smooth functioning of government services and provide services to citizens and residents,” she said.