Health Workers’ Union Urges Government to Reconsider Overtime Pay Cap
The Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) has called on the government to reverse changes to overtime pay regulations for health sector employees, following the implementation of a revised salary structure in May 2023.
Press release: Unpaid overtime continues. MHPU has sent a letter to the Finance Ministry to appeal for fair pay for healthcare workers.#supportstaffmatter #fairwages #StopWagetheft #PayOvertime @PSIasiapacific @ILOAsiaPacific @MoosaZameer @MMuizzu @MoFmv @presidencymv… pic.twitter.com/yxFD1S5n2x
— Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) (@MaldivesHPU) July 15, 2025advertisement
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The current framework limits overtime compensation to a maximum of 10 percent of an employee’s basic salary. This marks a significant shift from the previous system, under which health workers were paid for all hours worked beyond their scheduled shifts. The union argues that the new limit fails to account for the long hours routinely worked by frontline staff, particularly in hospitals and clinics facing increasing demand.
In a statement released today, the MHPU highlighted the need for fair compensation and recognition of the extended hours health workers are required to serve. The union also urged the government to expedite the implementation of revised job structures for administrative and support staff within the sector, and to ensure that health facilities are adequately staffed across the country.
Furthermore, the union called for foreign employees in the health sector to be included under the updated pay framework to promote fair and equal treatment for all staff.
The concerns raised by MHPU have now reached Parliament, where a resolution has been submitted seeking a review of overtime policies for employees in both the health and education sectors. The issue has been debated by lawmakers, with several government-aligned members stating that the matter will be addressed.
