Employment Act Amended to Extend Childcare Breaks for Mothers to Two Years

President Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Ninth Amendment to the Employment Act, which extends the period during which employed women are entitled to two daily 30-minute breaks to care for their child from one year to two years.

The People’s Majlis passed the amendment at the fifth sitting of its first session for the year on 8 March 2026.

Previously, employed women were permitted two 30-minute breaks per day until their child reached one year of age. Under the amended law, employed mothers will now be entitled to these breaks until the child reaches two years of age.

The amendment also introduces broader changes aimed at strengthening employment regulations. These include measures to improve termination procedures and revise quota fees required for recruiting expatriate workers. The law also establishes criteria for exempting certain parties from paying these fees while seeking to address implementation challenges and safeguard the rights of both employers and employees.

Among the key provisions is allowing the Cabinet to exempt certain Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from paying quota fees for expatriate workers and designates International Labour Day as an official public holiday.

In addition, amendments to Articles 86(a) and 86(b) introduce penalties for employment officers who unlawfully disclose confidential information obtained in the course of their duties. Violations may result in fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000.

The law also criminalises impersonating an employment officer, with fines ranging from MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000 for those found guilty.

Regulations required to implement the amendment must be published in the Government Gazette within three months of its publication. The amendment came into effect yesterday following its ratification and publication.