It is inconsistent to terminate employees after having extended the retirement age on pretext of labor shortages: MP Shamheed
25 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 11:17Member of Parliament Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has criticized the government's lack of consistent policy, noting that young employees are being dismissed while the retirement age is simultaneously being increased. He highlighted that these changes are narrowing opportunities for youth entering the job market and accused the administration of failing to align its actions with its rhetoric.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, speaking during a talk show program on RaajjeTV. | RaajjeMV
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, has criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, labeling its policies inconsistent. He highlighted the contradiction in the government's decision to raise the retirement age—citing a labor shortage—while simultaneously terminating young employees, asserting that such actions demonstrate a total lack of coherent policy.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "TV Talk" program, MP Shamheed stated that the government's policies lack consistency and a coherent framework. He further noted that this is evident in several government decisions regarding employment and retirement.
MP Shamheed noted that ahead of the last local council elections, the government extended the retirement age, citing a shortage of available workers in the country. He stated that the bill to implement this change was passed in a rushed manner during a parliamentary recess.
I maintained even then that these are the jobs for the many young people who will be entering the workforce tomorrow. However, that policy was changed under the pretext that there was a shortage of available workers.Ahmed Shamheed
MP Shamheed further stated that while the standard practice is for retirement to create job opportunities for the youth, the current situation suggests that these doors are being closed.
Furthermore, highlighting the inconsistency between the government's rhetoric and its actions, MP Shamheed noted that while officials claim a labor shortage one day, they are seen dismissing employees the next. He characterized this as a lack of consistent policy, noting that the government issues conflicting statements daily, similar to its handling of the ongoing dollar crisis.
MP Shamheed stated that such government policies are narrowing the opportunities available to young people entering the job market, adding that he does not believe these actions are being carried out through any rational or structured framework.
