Addu Fenaka terminates approximately 200 employees within one week: MP Didi

The Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, Ahmed Didi, has alleged that the current administration is intimidating employees with the threat of dismissal, claiming that approximately 200 staff members at Fenaka Corporation in Addu City have been terminated within a single week.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program on Sunday night, MP Didi stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had previously voiced concerns over the government’s recruitment practices, specifically cautioning against creating jobs for political gain or distributing positions in the lead-up to elections. However, Didi noted that the government at the time justified the recruitment by claiming that the appointments were for essential roles and that additional staff were necessary to carry out vital development projects.

However, noting that a significant number of employees are currently being dismissed, Didi stated that he has received reports of numerous terminations in Addu City as well. Specifically, Didi highlighted that Fenaka Corporation has laid off nearly 200 employees within the past week alone. Among those dismissed, the MP noted, were individuals who had served the company for many years.

Regarding the ongoing layoffs, I am receiving reports that a significant number of residents in Addu City are being dismissed from their jobs. Specifically, information indicates that Fenaka Corporation has terminated nearly 200 employees within the past week alone.

Ahmed Didi

Furthermore, MP Didi stated that the government is terminating long-term employees to create vacancies for activists from the ruling party. Highlighting that skilled technical staff are being dismissed, Didi noted that these actions are causing significant distress to numerous families.

MP Didi’s remarks come as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) begin downsizing staff under the guise of "right-sizing." The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has instructed these companies to reduce their workforce by 33 percent within three months. It is estimated that more than 13,000 employees will lose their jobs as a result of this move, prompting the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to express grave concern over the mass layoffs.