President Highlights Skills Development and Labour Reforms on Workers’ Day

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government’s approach to advancing labour and protecting the rights of both local and expatriate workers across various sectors of the Maldives is comprehensive and equitable.

He made the remarks in an address marking International Workers’ Day.

In his address, President Muizzu highlighted efforts to expand vocational education and skills training, including the establishment of the country’s first vocational high school. He said programmes have been launched to train people in fields critical to national development, while Government grants and concessional loans to support skills development have also been expanded.

The President added that Government efforts to connect Maldivian products with major e-commerce platforms had started to produce results.

President Muizzu also said the Government had taken “firm and unprecedented measures” to regulate expatriate workers in the Maldives. He noted that jobs and trades reserved exclusively for Maldivians were being identified and enforced.

He further stated that the Government was working to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Referring to a presidential pledge, he said individuals wishing to continue working beyond the age of 65 were now able to do so.

The President said the current administration had engaged with workers more extensively than previous governments and was addressing longstanding issues faced by workers across different sectors and levels.

He also described the work ethic and skills of past generations as central to the country’s development, adding that maintaining a productive workforce and strong economy remained vital to safeguarding the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty in a changing global environment.

In a separate post on X, President Muizzu extended greetings to workers across the country and thanked them for their contributions to national progress.

“Every worker who toils in any field for the self-sufficiency of themselves and their family, and for the benefit and interest of the nation, is a person of honour,” he wrote.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also posted a message on X, expressing appreciation for workers contributing across all sectors in the Maldives and stating that their sacrifices and dedication were deeply valued.

President Muizzu concluded his address by calling on citizens to support Government efforts to expand employment opportunities and urged capable Maldivians to participate actively in the workforce.

Meanwhile, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan also issued a statement commemorating International Workers’ Day. In his statement, he highlighted measures introduced by the administration for workers, particularly those engaged in the informal or gig economy.

He said the Government remained focused on protecting worker rights, including maintaining the minimum wage framework. Ihusan also stated that the administration had taken steps to improve the rights of foreign workers in the Maldives, although the minimum wage policy does not currently apply to expatriate workers.