Baarah constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau has said the minimum wage law passed by the 19th People’s Majlis has not delivered meaningful benefits to young people working in the resort sector.

He made the remarks during a parliamentary debate on an amendment to the Employment Act proposed by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir. The amendment seeks to prohibit the payment of service charge in Maldivian Rufiyaa and instead require that it be distributed in the currency in which it is collected.

During the debate, Shujau said the Government is preparing wider amendments to the Employment Act to address long-standing concerns raised by employees. He added that these reforms would also include provisions related to employee grooming standards.

Shujau criticised the proposed amendment, alleging it was introduced after details of the Government’s planned reforms became known.

He stressed that legislation affecting resort workers must be based on detailed study and direct engagement with employees, adding that such consultation had been lacking when the minimum wage law was introduced.

The Baarah MP said questions remain over whether resort workers are receiving the wages they are entitled to under the law, noting that he had consulted both management and employees across resorts in his constituency prior to the debate.

He further stated that service charge in many resorts continues to be paid in foreign currency, and noted that the proposed amendment would not necessarily mandate payments in US dollars.

Shujau said limited consultation with industry stakeholders and workers has been a key reason why the intended benefits of recent labour-related laws have not been fully realised in the resort sector. He emphasised that any amendments to the Employment Act should be developed through broad consultation with employers and employees to ensure fair and effective implementation.