Economic Ministry’s report on minimum wage has been forwarded to the People’s Majlis.

Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed noted that the report is based on the ones compiled by the Salary & Wage Advisory Board and the International Labour Organization, as well as the recommendations provided by stakeholders; the Salary & Wage Advisory Board was formed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in May 2019.

Noting that the purpose of the report is to seek the Majlis’ view on the matter, Nasheed forwarded the report to economic affairs’ committee for further review.

Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail said that a minimum wage will be declared before the end of February, “after consultation on the methodology and the amount with the parliament.”

He added that the minimum wage has no connection to the amendments to the Employment Act.

As per the Minimum Wage Bill, a minimum wage advisory board is to be established within 30 days after ratification. This board is to declare the minimum wage with the economic minister’s council, separately for seven areas; these areas are fisheries and agriculture, tourism, construction, transport, health, education and small and medium businesses.

The bill further states that the minimum wage must be revised every two years, and the board is to inform the minister of any possible changes to the amount.

Declaring a minimum wage is a key pledge of the incumbent administration.