President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Friday his plans to introduce an unemployment insurance benefits scheme under the administration’s efforts to promote and protect workers’ rights. He made the announcement while speaking at the Workers’ Congress of the Maldives Trade Union Congress (MTUC). The function was held at the State Electric Company Ltd. (STELCO) conference hall.
Highlighting the administration’s pledge to protect and promote the rights of workers, President Solih stated that preparations are underway to introduce unemployment insurance benefits. He said the administration is working with international experts to establish the legal framework and draw up the required bills, which would be submitted to Parliament soon.
The President also spoke about the administration’s efforts to protect and promote workers’ rights, including introducing a minimum wage and a mandatory service charge for employees in the tourism sector. He added that the administration established the Job Center to connect employers with job seekers and submitted the Occupational Health and Safety Bill to Parliament, which would ensure workers’ social and medical rights and outline employers’ duties and responsibilities.
President Solih also announced that an Industrial Relations Bill had been drawn up, which would introduce the legal framework required for registering workers’ unions. He added that the administration plans to submit the bill to Parliament this week and noted that the bill was revised according to recommendations made by MTUC.
The President also conveyed felicitations on the occasion of the anniversary of the MTUC to its members. The organisation represents labour rights associations and promotes the rights of employees.
