A protest has been held in HA Dhidhdhoo, calling to expedite the minimum wage bill.

Protesters on Sunday held placards and posters of MPs representing the atoll.

Dhidhdhoo Council President Ali Hashim said the purpose of the protest is to urge the government to fast-track the bill.

The photos uploaded on social media show that the protest was held on top of a stage. Hashim said the protesters were the island’s youths and workers from the nearby resorts.

Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) drafted the bill with a minimum wage of MVR 200 per day at their workshop in January.

Establishing a minimum wage is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. While the President established a Salaries and Wages Advisory Board to advise him after carrying out broad consultations and research, the bill has not yet been proposed to parliament.

The five-member board consists of two representing the industries, two representing the workers, and one representing the government.