Kuwait Civil Service Mandates Biometric Attendance Tracking

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Kuwait has issued Circular No. 9 of 2024, an order mandating the implementation of biometric verification systems for employee attendance during official working hours. The move is in line with Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 6 of 2024, which introduced a new article requiring that employee attendance be validated using both facial recognition and existing electronic fingerprint systems.

Starting next Sunday, all government agencies must integrate “flexible” fingerprint technology into their systems. Those using smartphone applications for attendance must incorporate both flexible fingerprint verification and facial recognition, while agencies still relying on traditional fingerprint devices are required to update their systems accordingly. The CSC has also urged agencies to expedite the adoption of smartphone applications to facilitate this process.

The circular highlights two key requirements for government agencies: displaying a timing table for fingerprint verification procedures and ensuring that employees can easily access and use the flexible fingerprint system. For roles where accessing fingerprint verification sites is difficult, the use of smartphone applications is encouraged. Agencies are also advised to coordinate with the CSC to establish suitable times for verification that do not disrupt work continuity.

The CSC stressed the importance of adhering to these new procedures to improve the accuracy and efficiency of attendance verification in government offices.

The Circular helps to further illustrate Kuwait’s growing enthusiasm for biometric authentication technologies. For example, the government recently introduced significant reforms in its education sector, mandating the use of biometric time and attendance tracking for teachers. That initiative requires all schools, including kindergartens and special education schools, to register their employees’ fingerprints for attendance tracking, with the government taking a strict approach by implementing penalties, such as salary suspension, for non-compliance within a week.

Earlier this year, the country underwent a nationwide biometric registration program. The project required all citizens and expatriates to complete biometric registration by June to maintain access to Interior Ministry services.

Source: Arab Times

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August 14, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy