Attorney General Faris Al Rawi says he has written to several unions requesting a meeting, as government moves to roll out its new vaccine policy for the public sector.

AG Al Rawi said the vaccine mandate, which will be in place from mid-January, applies to employees at all government entities, including companies owned by the State, statutory bodies and ministries.

Watson Duke, as head of the Public Service Association, is among union leaders Attorney General Faris Al Rawi has written to. 

Divulging how the policy will be rolled out, AG Al Rawi clarified that once an employee has taken at least a first vaccine shot, they will be permitted to continue work, with the expectation that they will complete their full vaccination regime in due time.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General said it it the intention that Members of Parliament will not be exempt from government’s vaccine mandate which comes into effect mid-January.

Apart from the ruling government MPs, this would also apply to Opposition MPs and Independent Senators.

Should the policy be challenged, AG Al Rawi said it will likely play out in two parts, in the Parliament itself, and possibly in the Courts.