The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched an investigation into 20 employees at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Development Center after they were found to have skipped official working hours, according to directives from Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila. Informed sources within the ministry said the probe aims to reinforce commitment and accountability among staff. The center plays a key role in social development initiatives, making reliable attendance essential for its programs. Such steps align with the ministry’s approach to addressing violations that could affect service delivery.
Kuwait’s broader public sector faces similar scrutiny as authorities work to improve efficiency. The Public Authority for Civil Information reported that 397,600 Kuwaitis worked in government positions at the end of 2023, comprising the vast majority of the national workforce in that sector. Data from the Central Statistical Bureau placed the figure slightly lower while confirming that Kuwaitis made up more than 84 percent of public sector employees. These statistics highlight the extensive workforce governed by attendance rules.
The Civil Service Commission has issued multiple circulars in 2026 to adjust working conditions amid regional developments. In March the commission limited on-site attendance at state departments to a maximum of 30 percent with rotations and remote work encouraged where feasible. A subsequent directive from the Ministry of Social Affairs set its own workforce physical presence at 50 percent while exempting shift-based roles.
Summer working hours across many entities have been cut to six hours daily from June 1 through August 31 the commission announced. Flexible start times between 7 and 8 a.m. accompany maintained grace periods that differ for male and female employees. Electronic fingerprint systems track compliance ensuring accurate records of presence and departures.
Dr. Al-Huwaila has made enforcement of regulations a priority with the ministry coordinating closely with the Civil Service Commission on policy implementation. Recent visits by senior officials to the ministry’s control room have focused on electronic monitoring tools for both goods and personnel. The current case at the development center adds to actions intended to maintain operational integrity.
The Sabah Al-Ahmad Development Center named after the late Amir supports various community and development projects under the ministry’s umbrella. Employees there are expected to meet the same standards applied across other government bodies. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the 20 staff members or potential penalties pending the outcome of the investigation.
