Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsan, has stated that the government will prioritise ensuring that Maldivians are employed in the sectors reserved for local workers. The Minister made the statement while speaking on a special programme aired by PSM News on the occasion of Labour Day.
Outlining the efforts being made to ensure the rights of all workers in the country and providing details on the the top priorities planned for this year, Minister Ihsan said several jobs categories, particularly in the tourism sector are officially reserved for Maldivians. The efforts to monitor and enforce this regulation will be strengthened, he said.
“This year, we will focus heavily on ensuring that Maldivians are employed in special sectors reserved for locals, and ensuring that foreign workers are within the legal framework when they are employed,” the Minister said.
The Minister further said the government is working to arrange special accommodation facilities for migrant workers. He said this is an important step to ensure the rights of foreign workers in the Maldives.
“It has been repeatedly pointed out by foreign parties that many foreigners working int he Maldives do not have proper accommodation,” he said.
The Homeland Security Minister said satisfactory efforts have been made since last year to regulate the status of foreigners. The government aims to resolve the issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives within three years, he said, adding that raid operations would be conducted regularly targeting employers with a large number of foreign staff.