Cabinet Outlines Return Conditions for Vaccine Mandate-Affected Workers

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By S.Browne. Updated 11:24 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Cabinet has outlined guidelines governing the return to work of public officers who were dismissed from the public service due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The key points are outlined below:

Resumption of Duties

All affected workers must return to work in person at the Ministry, Department, or Institution where they were last assigned or report to the office of the Chief Personnel Officer.

The official resumption date will be the first day the individual reports in person, starting from December 1, 2025.

Positions on Return

Returning workers will be assigned to similar or equivalent positions as the ones they previously held.

Whenever possible, they will be reinstated to their former ministry or department.

If this cannot be done, they will be placed in an equivalent suitable position that matches their skills and qualifications.

Vacation Leave

Vacation leave earned before dismissal will be honoured.

No vacation leave will accrue during the period of dismissal.

Returning workers are encouraged to complete three (3) months of service before applying for vacation leave.

Requests for leave before this period may be considered in exceptional circumstances, with written justification and supporting documentation where necessary.

Pension and Retirement

Pensionable officers who attained retirement age during the period of dismissal will be eligible for pension benefits in accordance with existing laws.

All persons are required to resume duties before applying for retirement or pension benefits.

Requests for early retirement must follow existing procedures and receive the necessary approvals.

Back Pay

Payment of back pay for the period of dismissal has been deferred.

This matter will be reviewed by Cabinet at a later date due to financial considerations.

Transfers

Requests for transfers will only be considered after the individual resumes duty.

Persons Not Returning to Work

Persons who choose not to return to work will not be eligible for any benefits, including retirement benefits, now or in the future.

Persons Employed Elsewhere
Persons who took up employment in the private sector or overseas may request no-pay leave of up to one (1) year to complete existing contracts.

Such requests must be submitted in writing to the Chief Personnel Officer through the relevant Permanent Secretary or Head of Department (H.O.D.), with the requisite documentation.

They must still officially report in person to resume duties.

State-Owned Enterprises and Teachers

Affected workers at statutory bodies and teachers assigned to assisted schools will be treated the same as Central Government employees.

Deadline

No resumption of duties will be allowed after January 30, 2026.

A press conference providing further details is expected to follow.