Manama Bahrain's education minister has called for stringent action against employees for their absenteeism.

Making an unannounced visit to a ministry department in the capital, Manama, on Thursday morning, Majed Al Nuaimi discovered that only one employee was at his desk.

Al Nuaimi pledged that disciplinary action would be taken against the unexcused absences and told the ministry officials to push for administrative action against absenteeism.

The education ministry is located in Eisa Town, south of Manama.

In September last year Al Nuaimi walked unannounced into a middle school and upon finding students sitting in a classroom waiting for their teacher who was reportedly late, took the book and taught them until their instructor arrived.

The ministry has repeatedly launched campaigns against absenteeism among students, especially around school holidays when it reaches its highest levels.