The People’s Majilis has opened public consultations on proposed amendments to the Employment Act, introducing several changes including revisions to quota fees applicable to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The proposed amendments set out principles for exempting certain categories of businesses from paying the quota fee. Under the bill, the authority to grant such exemptions would rest with the Cabinet.

The legislation outlines key considerations for granting exemptions. These include fostering a supportive environment for micro, small and medium enterprises, strengthening their contribution to the national economy, creating sustainable employment opportunities, narrowing the gap between SMEs and larger businesses, and promoting competitiveness, innovation, and the development of new products and services.

The bill also proposes amendments to notice periods for public employees. For employees with less than one year of service, the notice period would be set at two weeks. Where no notice is provided, the amendment allows for compensation in lieu of notice to be deducted from the employee’s salary or allowance.

In addition, the bill proposes extending maternity-related workplace provisions. It seeks to allow two 30-minute breaks per day for mothers to attend to children up to two years of age following maternity leave, without any deduction from salary. The current provision applies only until the child reaches one year of age.

Another amendment would require officers of the Labour Relations Authority to maintain confidentiality both during and after their period of employment. The proposal introduces penalties ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for breaches of this obligation.

The bill was accepted with 58 votes in favour and has been forwarded to Parliament’s National Development and Heritage Committee for review.

The People’s Majilis Secretariat stated that the public consultation period will run from 19 February 2026 to 1 March 2026. Members of the public may submit their views and comments via email to the committee or in writing to the Secretariat.