Former President and Advisor of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights.

In a post on social media, Solih extended his congratulations to all Maldivian workers on International Labour Day, highlighting the advocacy of MDP for crucial policies like safeguarding workers’ rights and implementing a minimum wage. He also assured that the party remains dedicated to upholding the rights of workers

The world celebrates International Labour Day annually on May 1.

Source(s): PsmNews

Maldives Hajj Corporation (MHC) has initiated significant steps to substantially lower the prices of Hajj pilgrimage trips, aligning with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge to reduce costs for travellers from Maldives.

In a post shared on social media, Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel announced the establishment of the “Hajj Fund,” aimed at reducing pilgrim expenses while creating income-generating opportunities for the corporation, thus strengthening its financial stability. He underscored that efforts are currently underway to minimise Hajj trip costs, with an increase in real estate investments.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed affirmed that restructuring the Hajj Corporation would substantially decrease Hajj pilgrimage rates. He further emphasised the Ministry’s proactive measures under the new administration to address this issue. This year, the Hajj Corporation has disbursed USD 4,537 with over 7,000 individuals on the waiting list. The government has officially allocated 100 quotas to the Maldives to mitigate the waiting list and alleviate high pilgrimage costs incurred.

Minister Shaheem stated that if additional quotas are to be granted, private entities will be engaged in organising pilgrimage trips, adhering to the list compiled by the Hajj Corporation.

Source(s): PsmNews

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, citing solely increasing salaries of civil servants as the nation’s economy flourishes as an insufficient solution, has emphasized the importance of the continuous provision of education and training required to civil servants along with it.

In his address to the nation on the occasion of International Labor Day – the President noted that efforts have already commenced to increase the salaries and allowances of civil servants working in various government organizations. He also spoke regarding the importance of introducing housing schemes specific for private sector employees in addition to public sector employees.

The President also spoke regarding the working environment in his address – during which he emphasized the need to implement measures to ensure job security. On this note, he detailed the need to facilitate soft loan schemes and income-generating markets to ensure job security for employees.

Speaking further, President Muizzu cited the debt owed by the state to many hard-working private individuals and companies as one of the most pressing concerns when his administration assumed office. As per the President, the result of owing over MVR 900 million in debt to private individuals and companies by state-owned companies and millions in debt to private individuals and companies by various government offices, left the nation’s economy falling into a deep ditch while private companies were rendered unable to pay their employees.

Henceforth, President Muizzu said his administration’s highest priority to repay these debts. He particularly emphasized the debt owed to fishermen – affirming the government’s commitment to disburse payment for the millions owed, in order to protect the nation’s economy’s bloodline.

The President also spoke regarding the government’s efforts to allow individuals who have retired after working in crucial sectors such as health and civil service to return to work. In this trajectory, he said his administration will raise the retirement age from 65 to 75.

“Additionally, opportunities are now being provided to persons with disabilities to fitting work at a reasonable pay to ensure they are not sidelined in the society,” he added.

President Muizzu also spoke regarding his plans to expand the economic sectors, and in this regard, introduce new sectors to the country which would create job opportunities for the youth. He also expressed hope that the introduction of e-wallet will pave the way for payment gateway services in the Maldives which will ease the process of international transactions.

Concluding his address, the President expressed hope for a vibrant future for all laborers with the implementation of the aforesaid plans.

He added that his government aims to ensure a financially stable and prosperous life for all Maldivian laborers within this five-year term.

Source(s): sun.mv