Due to global energy crisis and ongoing conflict in Middle East, the government has announced revised working hours for public and private sector entities effective Sunday.
According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday, all government and private offices across the country will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday.
This is a reduction from the previous five-hour window that previously ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays remain weekend holidays throughout the sector.
The directive clarifies that emergency services such as utilities, hospitals, postal services, and security agencies remain exempt from these restrictions. While the Supreme Court will determine its own scheduling based on necessity, factories and industrial units are advised to adhere to labor laws under the guidance of the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
Similarly, banking hours have been adjusted, with scheduled banks now conducting cash transactions between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., though bank premises will stay open until 5 p.m. Branches located at sea ports, land borders, and airports will continue operating around the clock as before.
Commercial establishments including shopping malls and retail shops must also close by 6 p.m. despite appeals from business groups seeking an extension until 8 p.m.
The cabinet has confirmed that the earlier closure time remains in force. The move mirrors a similar measure implemented in late 2022 before being reversed in mid-2024 following economic stabilization.
Regarding the education sector, the Ministry of Education stated it will present proposals regarding school hours during the next cabinet meeting following consultations with stakeholders.
Preliminary discussions suggest a possible hybrid model involving alternating days of online and physical attendance.
However, educators express concern over the feasibility of online classes for students in government primary schools, noting difficulties encountered during the pandemic.
Officials acknowledge the challenge of integrating remote learning for disadvantaged children while ensuring academic progress remains uninterrupted as institutions recently reopened following the Ramadan break.
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