The Parliament's decisive actions led to amendments in the Workers’ Rights, Workplace Safety and Health Bill and the Industrial Relations Bill, heralding a new era for workplace conditions.
While the Maldives might be a relatively small island nation that many people compare to a slice of heaven on Earth, even this country that is idolised among people all around the world hides some deep-rooted issues. One such issue that has been lurking behind closed doors and well-kept secrets among employers is the poor treatment of workers, especially when it comes to expat workers who work day and night to develop the infrastructure and housing of the nation.
While the issue surrounding workers’ rights and the poor conditions that they live in has been an issue that was acknowledged by the locals, international attention was brought to this issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, as international media coverage highlighted the poor living conditions and healthcare that is provided to expat workers by big companies in the Maldives. This issue, however, was not taken seriously until 2022, when the poor living conditions of workers caused the death of 10 people in a fire that broke out in Male’ City, finally opening up the discourse on workers’ rights.
With this, the issue was brought to the Parliament, and although a year has passed since the fire incident, it appears that the changes that were pitched back then are finally coming to fruition as the Parliament just passed amendments to two bills that might finally bring some justice for workers who face harsh conditions from their employers.
Key Amendments:
The Parliament's decisive actions led to amendments in the Workers’ Rights, Workplace Safety and Health Bill and the Industrial Relations Bill, heralding a new era for workplace conditions. Some noteworthy changes include:
● Article 12(g) of the Bill:
- Old Provision: The members of the Council shall be persons with education and experience in a relevant field, with rules to be prescribed in the law.
- Amendment: The article now explicitly mandates members of the Council to possess education and experience in a relevant field, eliminating the need for additional rules.
● Article 29(r) of the Bill:
- Old Provision: Having a Health and Safety Officer in places where at least 50 employees work.
- Amendment: The provision has been revised to require the appointment of officers in workplaces with a minimum of 75 employees, enhancing safety measures.
● Article 59(g) of the Bill:
- Old Provision: Compensation shall be paid to persons temporarily disabled physically or mentally due to a workplace injury.
- Amendment: The amended provision ensures compensation for those temporarily disabled by injury, addressing a longstanding gap in the system.
● Article 61(g):**
- Old Provision: Compensation period limited to one year.
- Amendment: The revised article extends the compensation period to 10 years, providing greater support for those facing long-term challenges due to workplace injuries.
These amendments represent a monumental leap towards acknowledging and rectifying common workplace struggles, particularly for expatriate workers. A groundbreaking inclusion is the establishment of a compensation system for workplace injuries, a vital protection previously absent. Holding employers accountable for the safety and well-being of their employees is especially critical, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, where healthcare challenges are inherent.
Complementing these changes, the Industrial Relations Bill acts as a complementary force, further safeguarding the constitutional rights of employees. Together, these legislative strides signify a landmark moment in the pursuit of equitable treatment and improved conditions for workers in the Maldives.
The amendments not only mark a significant shift in policy but also hold the promise of fostering a workplace environment where every individual, regardless of nationality, can expect fair treatment, dignity, and safety.
