The Public Service Commission has announced a temporary closure of all non-essential government offices during the holiday season, spanning from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026. This decision aims to support the wellbeing of public staff while ensuring that essential services remain operational throughout the period.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, Pita Tagicakirewa, communicated this annual closure in a circular that informs ministries and departments of the scheduled shutdown. He reassured that critical services would continue without interruption, stating, “All essential services are to remain fully operational, with appropriate staffing arrangements in place to ensure continuity of critical public services.”
To accommodate the closure, Permanent Secretaries are encouraged to motivate employees to utilize their annual leave or Time-Off-In-Lieu entitlements. Tagicakirewa noted that ministries will have the flexibility to assess their staffing requirements during this time. He mentioned that “Permanent Secretaries will retain discretion to determine whether skeleton staff are required to maintain specific services and, where necessary, put in place suitable rosters and coverage arrangements.”
Tagicakirewa highlighted the importance of the shutdown, particularly after what he described as a demanding year for public servants. He emphasized that this break will provide staff with the chance to rest and enjoy quality time with their families, thereby positively impacting their overall wellbeing and morale. Normal operations are set to resume on January 3, 2026, allowing employees to return rejuvenated.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for work-life balance, especially within public service sectors, fostering a healthier work environment that values the contributions of staff.