Manama: Kuwait's public sector operated with half of its staff after around 160,000 employees failed to show up for work on Tuesday following a four-day holiday.
Excuses for the high-level absenteeism included trips abroad and sick leaves, local Arabic daily Al Jarida reported.
However, the service commission that oversees the public sector has monitored the no-show at all ministries and government agencies, the daily said, citing "well-informed" sources.
The highest levels of absenteeism were recorded at the ministries of education and information, followed by higher education and health.
"Around 21,000 people handed in sick leaves at the beginning of the national and liberation day celebrations, and the commission will take administrative action against those who gave false information," the sources said.
Punitive action will include cutting or withholding bonuses, they said.
Absenteeism in some schools exceeded 80 per cent.
Kuwait celebrated its national day and liberation day on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
