Ministry of Economic Development has stated that the necessary information to decide on a minimum wage will be given to the Economic Minister by December.

In a press release on Tuesday, the Economic Ministry stated that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Salaries and Wages Advisory Board is currently compiling the available data from various institutions and meeting with government officials, workers, industry leaders, and employers.

The Ministry stated that they have also begun an enterprise survey to gather more data, according to the board’s road map.

It also stated that the board is working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and that a delegation from ILO held a three-day workshop in July. A lead consultant from ILO has also been assigned to the board.

The Ministry also stated that a technical committee has been formed with members of various sectors to provide expert advise in setting the minimum wage.

Establishing a minimum wage is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. While the President established the 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.

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