Public Sector to Reserve Job Positions for Persons with Disabilities, as per Revised Amendments 

The public sector will introduce reserved job positions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) following amendments to the General Standard for Employment Placement of Persons with Disabilities, which outline new requirements for Civil Service institutions and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

The amendments, published by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare in the Government Gazette yesterday, state that positions reserved for persons with disabilities within Civil Service institutions will be determined by the Civil Service Commission, while reserved positions in SOEs will be decided by the boards of the respective companies or in accordance with their established procedures.

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The revised standard applies to all employers providing employment opportunities to persons with disabilities, including government institutions and private sector employers. However, the gazetted document does not specify the procedures or requirements private sector employers must follow to comply with the new regulations. 

The amendment also introduces a new provision requiring employers and the Ministry to work together to share job vacancies with associations and organisations working for the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring employment opportunities are circulated among persons with disabilities.

The updated standard came into effect from the date of its publication in the Government Gazette.

The move follows ongoing efforts by authorities to improve employment opportunities and economic participation for persons with disabilities. In January, the Ministry of Social and Family Development announced plans to establish an Empowerment Hub in Hulhumalé Phase 2 to provide skills development, training and employment support for persons with disabilities.

The hub, which is being developed in partnership with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited, will focus on identifying the needs of persons with disabilities aged 18 to 40, providing vocational training, facilitating employment opportunities and supporting greater participation in society.

The planned 5,500-square-foot facility will include an inclusive café offering hospitality and culinary training, along with a shop to market products created by persons with disabilities.