President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the ninth amendment to the Employment Act, introducing changes to childcare leave provisions, termination procedures and expatriate worker quota regulations.
The amendment, passed by the People’s Majlis at the fifth sitting of its first session for 2026, revises several aspects of employment law aimed at strengthening worker protections while addressing regulatory challenges faced by businesses.
One of the most notable changes expands childcare time granted to employees returning from maternity leave. Under the revised law, employees must now be provided daily time off to care for their child until the child reaches two years of age. Previously, female employees were entitled to two 30 minute breaks each day for childcare only until the child turned one.
The amendment also introduces updated rules governing employment termination. Employers must now provide at least two weeks’ notice before terminating contracts that are shorter than one year, establishing a clearer framework for short term employment arrangements.
Additional provisions clarify that overtime work must be conducted in accordance with the terms specified in an employee’s contract.
Changes were also introduced to the system governing expatriate worker quotas. The amendment allows the Cabinet to exempt certain businesses from paying expatriate quota fees when recruiting foreign workers. The provision is intended to support micro, small and medium enterprises, encourage the creation of new businesses and improve the competitiveness of local firms.
Another change formally recognises International Workers’ Day as a public holiday under Maldivian law.
The amendment came into force following ratification by the President and publication in the Government Gazette.
