The Cabinet Division has directed all officials and employees of government, semi-government and autonomous institutions to strictly follow prescribed office hours in a move to strengthen good governance.

In a letter sent to senior secretaries and secretaries of all ministries and divisions, as well as divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, the division instructed authorities to ensure that staff attend and leave their workplaces in line with existing rules.

The directive refers to the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019 and the Secretariat Instructions, 2024, which require officials and employees to maintain punctual attendance and remain in office for the full duration of working hours.

Authorities have also been asked to issue necessary instructions to their subordinate offices to ensure compliance.

Field-level officials and employees must obtain prior approval from the appropriate authority before leaving their workplace on weekly or other holidays, the letter said.

On Monday, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a separate office order declaring unauthorised absence, late arrival and early departure to be punishable offences.

Under the order, officials and employees are required to be present at their respective offices by 9:00am on working days and may not leave before the end of official hours.

Govt warns of disciplinary action over irregular office attendance

During Ramadan, staff are prohibited from leaving before 3:30pm. After the fasting month, they will not be allowed to depart before 5:00pm.

The directive further states that officials seeking to leave the office for official or urgent reasons must obtain prior permission from the head of the relevant sub-division, such as a Joint Secretary or Solicitor.