In a bid to address the brain drain and encourage Maldivian students to return and serve their country, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to create high-paying jobs for educated individuals starting next year. Speaking at a ceremony held at Huravee School in Malé City, where President’s and High Achiever’s scholarships were awarded to top A-Level scorers, President Muizzu emphasised the government’s commitment to reversing the trend of skilled Maldivians working abroad due to low local wages.
President Muizzu highlighted the government’s recognition of the need for human resources and expertise across various fields. He pledged to allocate MVR 200 million from the state budget to ensure educated locals receive significantly higher salaries, making government jobs more lucrative than those in the private sector.
“The government will dedicate MVR 200 million from the state budget to give high salaries to educated people,” President Muizzu stated. “This would result in government jobs paying better than the private sector. There would be no need to stay abroad.”
The President explained that the funds would be redirected from the budget currently allocated to various infrastructure development projects. He underscored the importance of balancing human resource development with infrastructure, asserting that this dual focus is crucial for the Maldives’ progress.
Addressing another critical issue, President Muizzu acknowledged the housing crisis as a significant factor deterring students from returning home. He pledged to tackle the housing shortage, enabling students to start their lives and live with their families in the Maldives.
The President also noted the prevalent complaint among students about the lack of job opportunities. To mitigate this, he announced that many fields in the country would, in the future, be exclusively reserved for locals.
Concluding his speech, President Muizzu called on all Maldivians working abroad to consider returning to serve their country.
President Muizzu’s initiative to create high-paying jobs for educated Maldivians is an ambitious and potentially transformative policy. By allocating substantial funds to improve salaries in the public sector, the government aims to retain talent within the country, addressing the longstanding issue of brain drain. This move could lead to a more skilled and motivated workforce, driving national development.
However, the reallocation of MVR 200 million from infrastructure projects raises concerns. While human resource development is crucial, infrastructure projects also play a vital role in economic growth and improving the quality of life. Striking the right balance between these two priorities will be essential.
Additionally, the policy’s success hinges on effective implementation and the ability to create sustainable, high-quality jobs that match the skills and aspirations of returning graduates. The government’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and reserving job fields for locals are positive steps, but these measures must be carefully planned and executed to avoid unintended consequences.
Overall, while the initiative holds promise, it requires a holistic approach that considers both immediate needs and long-term development goals. If managed well, it could significantly benefit the Maldives by fostering a highly educated and engaged workforce dedicated to the nation’s progress.
