Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated the government is preparing to provide an allowance to the unemployed.
Speaking at the minimum wage announcement ceremony, Minister Fayyaz said the allowance will be provided as part of an Unemployed Insurance Scheme. He said the government is currently formulating the scheme with assistance from the World Bank and the assessment for the scheme has been completed.
The minister detailed the government is currently in discussions with stakeholders to design and structure the scheme. He said the government expects to begin the pilot programme in mid-2022 and to establish a nationwide scheme based on the results of the pilot programme.
Furthermore, Minister Fayyaz said the government is also working on implementing an Occupational and Safety Act to enact safety measures for employees at work. He said the act has been submitted to the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and will be open for public opinion after the AGO completes its review.
The minister noted the changes being made by the government have already been implemented with great success in developed countries. He also expressed his hope that the changes will greatly improve the current work environment in the Maldives.