President Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the central role of workers in driving the Maldives’ development, announcing continued reforms to strengthen employment, skills training, and economic resilience in a message marking International Workers’ Day.
In his national address, the President extended greetings to workers across the country, emphasizing that “honest labor” remains both a moral duty and a cornerstone of national prosperity. He framed productivity and industriousness as essential to safeguarding the Maldives’ independence and long-term sustainability amid rapid global change.
Highlighting policy achievements, Muizzu stated that more than 23,000 jobs have been created under his administration over the past two-and-a-half years, spanning both public and private sectors. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to regulate expatriate labor and introduce job reservations in selected sectors for Maldivian citizens, aligning with public demands for greater local workforce participation.
The government, he said, is pursuing a “holistic and equitable” labor policy, balancing protections for both local and foreign workers. Key initiatives include the establishment of the country’s first Vocational High School, expansion of technical training programmes, and increased financial support through grants and concessional loans to boost professional skills and small businesses.
Muizzu further noted targeted inclusion measures, including employment opportunities for prison inmates and specialised programmes for persons with disabilities. He also reaffirmed his pledge to allow citizens to remain in the workforce beyond the age of 65, signalling a broader push for inclusive economic participation.
The President linked these initiatives to broader economic reforms, citing renewed support for small and medium enterprises, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism expansion into underserved regions. He added that priority is being given to capable local companies in awarding development projects, aimed at strengthening domestic industry.
Referencing the recently declared “Year of Maldivian Productivity,” Muizzu said last year’s National Productivity Exhibition featured the largest showcase of locally made products, with expectations of further growth this year. He also highlighted efforts to integrate Maldivian products into global e-commerce platforms as early signs of international market access.
Calling for collective national effort, the President urged citizens to actively participate in the workforce, stating that the vision of a fully developed and self-sufficient Maldives by 2045 depends on the strength and commitment of its workers.
