A new sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen warns civil servants that breaking new work attendance rules may result in being banned from future public service.

The 44-article decree, dated April 1, lays out attendance management systems and punishments for late or absent workers, including being permanently banned from working for the government.

However, according to Article 20, civil servants can rack up 15 consecutive days of unapproved absence before being fired, while Article 21 states that officials are allowed between five and 10 days of unexplained absence over the course of a year.

Article 7 provides exceptions for civil servants who are pregnant, have a child under a year old, are disabled or are over the age of 50, allowing them to take up to an hour off of the start or end of their work day.

San Chey, executive director of accountability group ANSA, welcomed the decree but noted the rampant nepotism and absenteeism in the civil service, and urged the government to effectively and evenly apply the new regulations.