Customs announces recruitment of 48 employees just one week before election
Maldives Customs Service has announced 48 vacancies for Assistant Officers with a monthly remuneration package of approximately MVR 12,000 including allowances. This wave of recruitment has drawn criticism from the opposition, as it follows recent directives from the Finance Minister to halt new hirings due to the state's fiscal challenges. Despite these warnings, several government entities and state-owned enterprises, including Public Works and the Road Development Corporation (RDC), have recently advertised for over a hundred new positions.
Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana. | Maldives Customs Service | Maldives Customs Service
Maldives Customs Service has announced 48 job vacancies just one week before the local council, Women's Development Committee (WDC), and referendum elections are scheduled to take place.
In an announcement on Saturday, Maldives Customs Service opened applications for 48 vacancies for the position of Assistant Customs Officer Trainee. According to the announcement, the minimum requirements for the role include a grade "D" or higher in secondary school examinations and at least a grade "C" in Dhivehi.
The position offers a basic salary of MVR 5,000, along with a monthly allowance of MVR 4,660. Additionally, a daily attendance allowance of MVR 75 will be provided.
According to the announcement by Customs, in addition to these benefits, employees will also receive food allowances, overtime pay, and other remunerations as stipulated in the state pay framework.
Under this arrangement, each employee will receive a monthly salary of approximately MVR 12,000. A window of only four days has been provided to apply for these positions. According to the announcement, the deadline for applications is 23:00 on April 1.
While Maldives Customs Service has opened 48 job opportunities in a single day, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer stated last week that this is not an ideal time for recruitment. The Minister, serving under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, noted that the current period could present challenges for hiring new personnel.
However, the Minister stated that the government must continue to provide the essential employment opportunities necessary for its administrative operations.
The Minister's remarks come as Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar announced a decision to recruit a total of 516 employees across four mobile units to strengthen the Public Works Department.
Furthermore, the government has announced more than 140 vacancies at Road Development Corporation (RDC) sites ahead of the upcoming elections. With Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) also opening numerous positions, the administration has faced significant public backlash. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been particularly vocal, expressing deep concern and sharp criticism over the timing of these recruitment drives.
