News Desk
The Maldives has taken a significant step in strengthening protections for working mothers, following the ratification of the Ninth Amendment to the Employment Act. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu approved the amendment on 14 March, marking one of the most progressive reforms in recent years to support women in the workplace and uphold family wellbeing.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed publicly welcomed the change, describing it as an important stride towards giving mothers the dignity, time and support they deserve. In a post on social media, she said the extended childcare time-off would help women balance professional duties with the demands of early motherhood, while also promoting maternal health and enabling continued breastfeeding in line with World Health Organization nutrition targets.
Under the revised law, employees are entitled to two 30-minute breaks each day to visit and care for their child from the moment they return to work after maternity leave until the child reaches two years of age. Previously, this entitlement ended when the child turned one.
The amendment was passed by the People’s Majlis on 8 March during the fifth sitting of its first session of the year. Beyond childcare provisions, the legislation also strengthens termination procedures and revises quota fees for recruiting expatriate workers. It empowers the Cabinet to exempt certain micro, small and medium enterprises from quota fee payments and designates International Labour Day as an official public holiday.
The First Lady said the extended childcare allowance reflects a government committed to supporting families and ensuring that women are not forced to choose between work and motherhood. She noted that structured breastfeeding time is not only a matter of convenience but a public health priority.
With the amendment now in effect following its publication in the Government Gazette, President Muizzu administration has positioned the Maldives among countries advancing workplace policies that recognise the realities of early childcare and the importance of supporting women’s participation in the workforce.
The reform is expected to ease pressures on working mothers, strengthen family stability and contribute to broader national health goals, reinforcing the government’s pledge to promote social wellbeing and gender-inclusive development.
