The parliament has begun the debate on an amendment proposed to the Employment Act, seeking to set minimum wages in three categories.

The government sponsored amendment bill was read at Monday;'s sitting by Hulhudhoo constituency MP Ilyas Labeeb.

Submitting the bill, MP Ilyas stated that its purpose is to set a minimum wage as well as to strengthen other areas in the Employment Act including procedures on employing an individual, probation periods and dismissal as well as on ensuring rights of both employers and employees.

While the key purpose of the bill is to declare a minimum wage, it mentions ranges in three categories. Noting that these are preliminary numbers, MP Ilyas said that the final amount is to be decided through the parliament. The three categories are; Category A – MVR 8,000 to MVR 8,500; Category B – MVR 6,000 to MVR 6,500; and Category C – MVR 4,000 to MVR 4,500.

A number of MPs proposed amendments during Monday’s first reading of the bill, and a vote will be taken after discussions with all relevant institutions.

While the Employment Act was established in 2008, there was talk of setting a minimum wage the as well. There have been various concerns over the delay in doing so.

As part of the work to set a minimum wage, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih formed the Salaries and Wages Advisory Board, to advise him on the matter. Establishing a minimum wage is among the president’s electoral pledges.

The board has since advice to set the minimum wage at MVR 6,400.