A number of lawmakers have on Wednesday called for the rights of tourism industry employees to be protected.

Members gathered at Wednesday’s sitting had deliberated on South-Maafannu constituency MP Abdulla Rifaau’s motion to amend local tourism laws.

Several MPs expressed concern that employees working at resorts and tourist outlets across the country are not given monthly compensation and allowances appropriate to their work and qualification.

Addu-Meedhoo constituency MP Rozaina Adam said that any amendments to the Maldives Tourism Act should so be made with recommendations from the Attorney General’s Office and a body that adequately represents tourism employees.

MP Rozaina also said that there are several obstacles to workers at local tourism outlets, such as being denied services charges and being subjected to unchecked biases and prejudice.

Kurendhoo constituency MP Abdul Raheem Bari Abdulla said that a number of employers in the tourism industry disregard current laws on the ratio of local to foreign employees and workers are hired and let go without regard to local employment laws.

North-Hithadhoo constituency MP Ali Nizar said that it is unfair that employees at facilities that generate millions in profit exploit their employees and that the matter needs to be urgently addressed.

The bill to amend the Maldives Tourism Act stipulating that any islands, islets, or lagoons to be given out for development should be announced for public tender was voted on at the sitting as well.

The bill was rejected, with 41 MPs voting against it. 22 MPs voted for it.