The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) in the Maldives, a strategic initiative that aims to support national employment policies, improve labour standards, and foster fair working conditions across the nation. The launch event, attended by Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr. Maryam Maria, highlighted the programme’s alignment with the Maldivian government’s objectives to enhance employment opportunities and establish a safer, more equitable work environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Maria emphasised that the DWCP will contribute substantially to the Maldives’ national labour goals. The programme is tailored to meet the unique challenges of the Maldivian labour market, focusing on critical areas such as employment creation, social protection, workers’ rights, and social dialogue among stakeholders. “The programme will support our ongoing efforts to advance working conditions throughout the Maldives,” said Minister Maria.
The DWCP’s primary components aim to foster inclusive and sustainable employment by addressing key issues within the labour sector:
- Employment Promotion: The programme focuses on policies that encourage quality job creation across different sectors, reducing dependence on tourism and supporting economic diversification.
- Social Protection: By strengthening workplace safety laws and establishing protections against social and economic vulnerabilities, the DWCP aims to build a more resilient workforce.
- Rights at Work: Adhering to international labour standards, the DWCP seeks to protect the rights of all workers. The recent approval of the Industrial Relations Act and the Workplace Safety and Health Protection Act will further support these efforts, providing a formal structure for employer and employee organisations to address workplace issues collaboratively.
- Social Dialogue: The DWCP facilitates communication between the government, employers, and workers, encouraging an environment where all parties can engage in constructive dialogue to address labour challenges.
Johnny Simpson, ILO’s Country Director for Bangladesh and the Maldives, commended the Maldives for its recent inclusion in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative that aligns closely with the DWCP’s goals. He expressed optimism that this commitment would support the Maldives in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening its labour practices.
With its focus on fair employment practices, enhanced social protections, and strengthened workers’ rights, the DWCP is expected to bring long-term benefits to the Maldivian workforce. By creating a structured framework for addressing workplace issues, the programme aims to improve relations between employers and employees and attract foreign investment by aligning Maldives’ labour standards with international norms.
The ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme represents a collaborative step towards a more inclusive, secure, and resilient labour market for the Maldives, supporting national socio-economic development through sustainable employment initiatives.
