Muizzu Calls for End to Discrimination Over Islamic Dress Choices in the Workplace

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the need for non-discriminatory employment practices, stating that job performance and employment opportunities should not be impacted by an individual’s choice of dress, provided it conforms to Islamic principles.

His comments follow a recent decision by the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) to reject a woman from a position at the Hulhudheli Magistrate’s Court because she wore a niqab.

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In a social media statement, Muizzu reaffirmed his stance that attire adhering to Islamic guidelines should not be grounds for discrimination in the workplace. He further called for the revision of any existing rules and regulations that may enable such biases. 

https://x.com/MMuizzu/status/1826481015709466768

Muizzu confirmed that he had instructed relevant authorities to address the issue and called on the public and institutions to foster a society rooted in justice and fairness.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, also voiced concerns over the incident, emphasising that the wearing of a niqab should not be a barrier to employment. 

He noted that many highly educated women wear the niqab, and urged the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to safeguard their right to work, stressing that a just and civilised society must ensure the rights of all individuals.