Government Signs Agreement With ILO To Implement Decent Work Programme
Photo: National Federation of Maldivian Employers
The government has signed an agreement with the International Labour Organization to implement the Decent Work Country Programme for the period 2025 to 2031, establishing a national framework aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting dignified conditions across workplaces nationwide.
The programme, known as DWCP 2025–2031, is the ILO’s primary national framework that outlines agreed priorities among governments, employers and workers to advance decent work. It is aligned with the Maldives’ national development plans and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, the agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding that aims to strengthen the labour sector by embedding safety and fairness for workers while ensuring compliance with international labour standards.
The signing ceremony was attended by Labour Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, who highlighted the strategic importance of the programme in preparing the country for emerging challenges. He stated that the DWCP serves as a training initiative for workers, enabling the Maldives to anticipate and mitigate future risks.
Minister Haidar said the programme reflects the broader national vision to protect the rights and dignity of workers, empower employers to pursue sustainable development and build a resilient labour market capable of adapting to evolving needs. He said that the initiative symbolises a commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, supporting employers and strengthening national capacity.
The memorandum brings together key stakeholders in the Maldivian labour sector. Signatories include the Labour and Skills Development Ministry, associations representing workers, associations representing employers and the International Labour Organization.
The Ministry described the agreement as a pivotal step towards enhancing the country’s labour environment. Officials expect the initiative to advance dignified work programmes across the Maldives and foster a fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment that prioritises workers’ rights.
Within the DWCP framework, the ministry has outlined several strategic priorities, including expanding the ratification of international labour standards, reinforcing mechanisms for social dialogue and strengthening related procedures and national capabilities.
