The government has signed an agreement with Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) that will see the state-owned firm provide jobs and internship opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), MIFCO will offer internships and jobs to persons with disabilities to those under state care and individuals facing financial hardship.
The Ministry said it will ensure that tasks and responsibilities assigned under the MoU are suitable to their respective physical capabilities.
According to the Ministry, such initiatives are designed to minimise the dependency on society by people with disabilities and ensure an inclusive and empowered society.
The government since taking office in November 2023 has initiated several efforts to create a favourable work environment for individuals with special needs while ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace.
One of the key measures initiated by the government to achieve this goal is the formulation of a regulation designed to facilitate employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Publicised last year, the regulation aims to ensure that individuals with special needs receive equal employment and job opportunities. It sets out the rules to guarantee that individuals with disabilities enjoy their right to work.
Furthermore, the Ministry collaborated with Care Society Maldives to offer a two-month training programme for candidates registered for employment opportunities. This programme aims to familiarise individuals with the work environment and enhance the necessary skills for their jobs.
The government is also set to begin a nationwide initiative to make buildings and public places easily accessible to persons with disabilities along with efforts to complete the "National Register of Persons with Disabilities" to gather essential information for providing necessary assistance. As of last month, over 14,000 individuals have registered.
This initiative aims to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in society and access basic services, addressing the need for accurate data to support them effectively.