President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that increasing the participation of youth is crucial for workforce development in Maldives.

President Solih stated this in his statement on the occasion of International Workers' Day on Sunday.

In his remarks, the President described increasing the participation of youth as the most crucial component today for the country’s workforce development.

He highlighted the essential roles of each member of the workforce, underscoring the need to protect and promote workers’ rights to ensure national development. Noting that much needs to be done on the matter, President Solih highlighted some of the issues facing workers today, such as unfair wages and discrepancies in remuneration, delayed wage payments, as well as poor living and working conditions.

President Solih, in his remarks stressed that such oversights are strict violations of the constitution and laws that govern the rights of workers.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to promoting and protecting workers’ rights, President Solih noted some of the administration’s achievements towards this end. He went on to highlight the administration’s legislative efforts to introduce and implement a minimum wage and mandate the collection and distribution of service charges for tourism sector employees.

President Solih conveyed greetings and good wishes to all members of the local workforce, their families, institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work towards promoting and protecting workers’ rights.

The President also spoke about the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, lauding the role of employees from all walks of life in the administration’s revival and recovery efforts. He added that strengthening the workforce would drive national progress further.