The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has officially launched the findings of the Labour Force Survey conducted in Malé for the period January to March 2025.

The results were unveiled at a ceremony by Joni Simpson, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The Labour Force Survey was carried out by Bureau of Statistics in October last year, covering both the final quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

Speaking at the launch, Simpson stated the Labour Force Survey is not merely about numbers but about understanding people in the workplace, their work patterns, time spent at work, income and the challenges they face. She noted that the survey identifies both the working and unemployed populations, providing a basis for shaping policy responses.

The areas covered by the survey include education, migration, employment and income details, household chores, volunteer work, and general demographic information. It also captures data on those seeking income-generating opportunities but not currently employed.

The main objectives of the survey are to determine the economically active population, measure employment levels, assess the rate of job creation, and update migration rates and population projections. The data also supports monitoring of the Maldives’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has stated that the survey will play an important role in developing a “decent jobs” indicator, which will help track the country’s commitment to creating quality employment opportunities.