The government of the Maldives needs to engage with tourist industry experts for joint cooperation in developing a recovery plan for the sector to mitigate any prolonged negative impacts on tourism employment.

This was recommended in light of the findings of the “Rapid Livelihood Assessment”, carried out by the government of Maldives, with the support from the UNDP Maldives and commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Development.

As the largest industry and employer in the country, the industry has been most exposed to the external shock of the global pandemic.

Surveys and interviews were conducted to analyze the existing data and the study was conducted after reaching out to employers, employees, government and private sector stakeholders, relevant businesses as well as employee associations.

The preliminary findings of the first phase of the report provides insights and recommendations for the government and industry employers.

As such, the recommendations note that the recovery plan must integrate new rules for operations, transparent and advanced communication and enforce regulations on staff accommodation, movement, testing, isolation and treatment as well as for guests.

The report also stressed on the importance of establishing a national standard for resort employees on occupation health and safety in the new normal operations.

Avenues for restructuring of the resort operation model in the ‘new normal’ and emerging employment opportunities within this alternative model must also be identified including health and safety officers to be recruited onsite monitoring officials as well as mental health counselors.

In addition, it is also recommended to implement consistent strategies and interventions targeted at employees before full operations begin. During this period, psycho-social support (PSS) services, personal development and coaching services can be provided collaboratively to assist with coping strategies.

The waiting period can also be utilized for training Maldivians to qualify for jobs at middle management and upper management levels.

Further, it has been urged to facilitate labor governance reforms and strengthen institutional capacity and response on labor issues.

Some of the recommendations for employers in the tourism sector include, to improve employee management in the new normal context when resorts reopen in July.