National Assembly announces 'work-from-home' policy amid austerity measures

The National Assembly Secretariat said employees would not be allowed to leave their station without prior approval from the competent authority. Fuel allocations for official vehicles will be reduced by 50% for three months, while the purchase of all types of vehicles has been completely banned.

The non-salary budget for fiscal year 2026-27 will also be reduced by 5%, with the cut to be implemented on a monthly basis. Meetings will preferably be conducted through teleconferencing, except for intra-city meetings. The number of meetings will also be kept to a minimum as part of the austerity measures.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also introduced measures to reduce fuel consumption and control expenditure, with Senate Chairman approving the new austerity plan., employees will work from home on Fridays when the Senate is not in session. They will remain available through telephone, email and Whats.

App and may be asked to report to the office on one-hour notice. From Monday to Thursday, Senate Secretariat office hours will be from 9am to 4pm. The Senate will also reduce fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50% for three months and has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of vehicles.

A 5% monthly cut will be made in the non-salary budget, while the number of meetings will be kept to the minimum possible level. The Senate Secretariat has also banned the purchase of all items, with IT-related purchases exempted from the restriction.

In addition, all foreign visits have been suspended for three months, while official dinners have also been banned, except those organised for foreign delegations.