The Civil Service Act has been amended to revise the dress code for civil servants working in Government offices, following public concerns over declining standards of professional attire.

The amendment follows issues raised by residents during meetings held by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the Greater Malé Region, where concerns were expressed about the current state of dress standards in Government institutions. In response, the President said he had requested the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to reinstate dress code requirements that were previously in force.

Changes to the civil service dress code were last introduced in 2014. Under the CSC Employee Dress Code that came into effect that year, employees were required to dress cleanly and appropriately during both official and informal working hours. The guidelines also stated that hair, headwear, and beards must conform to ethical standards accepted by local society, and that clothing should not hinder the employee’s ability to perform their duties.

Under the newly amended provisions, male civil servants are required to wear button-up shirts, trousers, ties, and office shoes during official working hours. Long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, as well as bush shirts, are permitted. The amendment also specifies how shirts must be tucked in and limits the wearing of jewellery to a ring only.

Female civil servants are required to wear Dhigu Hedhun, Maldivian Libaas, or appropriate office attire while on duty. The revised dress code outlines specific standards to be observed in terms of modesty and professionalism.

The amendment further prohibits civil servants from dyeing, shading, or highlighting their hair in any colour other than black. In addition, detailed dress code guidelines have been introduced for support service staff.