The Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (FAHR) will activate the Remote Work System for all ministries, authorities, and federal institutions, effective from Sunday, March 29, for a renewable period of two weeks.

According to the decision, which will be subject to revision and reassessment, a maximum of 30 per cent of the workforce of each entity concerned is allowed to be physically present in office while others whose jobs don’t necessitate their physical presence will be working remotely.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, discussed with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and international efforts being made to contain its repercussions.

This came over a telephone call Sheikh Mohamed received from the Indian leader, during which they explored paths for consolidating the strategic cooperation between the two friendly countries in addition to an array of international and regional developments of common concern.

The two sides mulled over the possibility of advancing cooperation between two countries’ entities in charge of addressing the spread of the novel virus and prospects of further contributing to the international efforts made to stem its impact on the humanitarian, health and economic fronts.

The UAE Health Ministry announced on Friday the detection of 72 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and the recovery of 3 more individuals.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, during a regular press briefing, where in Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, highlighted the latest COVID-19 developments in the country and the measures taken by Emirati authorities to combat the spread of the pandemic.

The 72 new infections cases are all stable and subject to the necessary health care, bringing the number of cases registered in the country to 405.

The total number of cured cases in the country is 55.

Meanwhile, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan came out with a video urging Dubai and UAE residents to stay at home to stem the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The official Twitter feed of the Government of Dubai Media Office shared the video, “Message from Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan to #Dubai: Stay in your homes, stay healthy and protect society. #StayHome.”

Separately, in support of “Stay Home” initiative, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE issued a circular to the telecommunications companies to put on hold the suspension and disconnection of mobile services due to the expiry of the supporting documents and the Emirates ID.

FAHR’s announcement exempts a number of vital sectors, including energy, telecommunications, health, education, security, police, military, postal services, cargo, pharmaceuticals, water, food, civil aviation, airports, identity & citizenship, finance & banking, government media, and services, which include filling service stations, and construction projects in addition to any other sectors to be exempted by the government of the UAE for public interest.

FAHAR calls upon all sector to utilise smart technology while practicing the remote work system in addition to providing all possible electronic channels and platforms to ensure efficiency. All sectors are also required to identify standard timeframes and mechanisms for every task assigned to each employee and identify the management system of remote work in terms of workhours, be it a standard or flexible work schedule per day, week or month.

These sectors are also required to ensure that technology provides a work environment that is safe and compliant for operational efficiency by setting all needed regulations that ensure privacy and confidentially of data. Authorisations given to undertake remote work have to be regulated as well, and employers have to ensure proper follow-up of their employees working remotely in order to ensure they stick to work schedules and accomplishment of work as desired.

The employees working remotely are obligated to come physically to office whenever asked by their employers and to perform their work as per the set timeframes. While working remotely, they have to be available all the time to respond to all business calls and emails in addition to ensuring confidentiality of data and utilising worktime in performing the tasks assigned to them in the best possible manner.

WAM