New civil service regulation introduces special leave for family illness

The Civil Service Commission has amended its regulations to grant civil servants up to 30 days of special leave annually to care for parents or legal dependents suffering from illness.

The amendment, gazetted on Sunday, entitles employees to 30 days of paid leave with their basic salary if a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or legal dependent is diagnosed with a chronic or serious illness.

The new provision, termed “special medical leave,” sets conditions for eligibility. A medical certificate from a health worker registered with the Ministry of Health must be submitted, specifying the type of illness and expected duration of treatment. If the certificate is issued abroad, it must come from a health worker at a registered health centre in that country.

The rules also cover employees themselves. A civil servant may take this leave if unable to work permanently or for an extended period due to health conditions, provided supporting documentation is submitted.

Applications for the leave must be formally submitted to the Civil Service Commission for approval.