Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has issued an apology, as authorities failed to declare a minimum wage before the given deadline.

While the minister had previously assured that a minimum wage will be declared before the end of February, Fayyaz on Sunday apologized for not being able to do so.

Noting that this was their expectation, the economic minister highlighted that the issue is currently at parliament, adding that he believes that the parliament will conclude it in “a matter of days.”

The ministry’s minimum wage report was forwarded to the People’s Majlis in mid-February.

While a Minimum Wage Advisory Board was established to counsel the minister, a report by this board revealed that more than 40 percent of the Maldivian workforce earn less than MVR 6,000 as a monthly salary. The board recommended to set the minimum wage of MVR 6,400.

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 President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih administration.