The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has outlined the conditions for government employees who wish to combine work and study, emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflicts between work and study hours. The CSC’s circular, issued to government agencies, highlights key conditions that employees must meet to pursue both work and education simultaneously. Dr. Essam Al-Rubaian, the head of CSC, confirmed that the decision, made during a July 18 meeting, allows employees to study at their own expense without requiring leave or a scholarship, as long as the study occurs within Kuwait and doesn’t clash with official working hours, while maintaining regularity at work.
The circular emphasizes that employees must inform their employer about their enrollment in self-funded studies. Employers are responsible for monitoring the employee’s study impact on their work schedule and job performance. The immediate manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the employee’s regularity during the study period and keeping accurate attendance records.
In cases where it’s proven that an employee’s study commitment affects their job duties negatively, the employer must take appropriate legal actions. Disciplinary measures may be imposed in accordance with legal decisions. The circular also clarifies that combining work and study outside the scope of scholarship programs and study leaves does not mandate any modifications to the employee’s status, position, job level, supervisory role, allowances, bonuses, or any other job-related or financial aspects.
Furthermore, the circular notes that employers can exercise discretion based on their need for the specialized qualification obtained by the employee. If the qualification aligns with approved specializations in the entity’s scholarship plan, the employer can decide to leverage the qualification and address the related financial and functional implications accordingly.
The CSC’s circular serves as a guideline for government employees in Kuwait who wish to pursue further education while maintaining their work commitments. By ensuring that study and work hours do not conflict and that employees remain committed to their job duties, the government aims to facilitate a harmonious balance between professional and educational pursuits.