The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has formally amended its regulations, allowing civil service employees to wear the niqab — a face-covering veil — while on duty.
Previously, the rules required all staff to remain clearly identifiable when providing services, which created obstacles for employees who chose to wear the niqab. Although the CSC had earlier allowed these staff members to display identification cards, the official regulation had not been updated until now.
Identification Requirement for Frontline Staff
Under the revised rules, employees in roles that require clear identification — such as receptionists and other frontline workers — must wear a visible card or tag showing their name and designation. This measure ensures that service seekers can still identify the staff providing assistance while respecting their choice of attire.
CSC Counsel General Ibrahim Rasheed explained that the earlier regulation posed difficulties for niqab-wearing staff, discouraging some from pursuing careers in the civil service. “With this change, any service can now be provided while wearing the niqab, without restrictions,” he said.
Rasheed also noted that many skilled and capable women had refrained from applying for civil service positions due to the restrictions. “The barriers faced by those wearing niqab often kept competent workers away. This amendment ensures that such employees will face no issues in delivering public service,” he added.
The Civil Service’s decision aligns with a broader move in public institutions. The judiciary recently announced a similar policy, officially permitting staff to wear the niqab in court-related roles.
