Parliament Passes Amendment to Imposing Fines for Negligence Towards Migrant Workers
Parliament has approved an amendment to the Employment Act, introducing a fine of MVR 50,000 for employers found guilty of negligence after bringing in migrant workers.
The amendment, which was proposed by the government, was passed yesterday. The bill was initially examined by the Security Services Committee and was later introduced in Parliament by PNC MP Mohamed Dawoodh late last month. The bill was passed with 65 votes in favour, while 10 members of the opposition MDP voted against it.
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Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim, who had previously voiced opposition to the amendments during the committee stage, was present at the time of the vote but did not participate in the voting process.
During the committee’s deliberations, some members raised concerns regarding the high fines stipulated in the bill. However, the committee ultimately decided to pass the proposed articles without any further amendments.
The bill outlines specific circumstances under which migrant workers may be considered neglected. These circumstances include non-payment of salaries, failure to comply with the requirements of rules under the law regarding basic services that employers must provide, exploitation of foreign workers during or after their arrival in the Maldives, and employing them in violation of laws and regulations.
Additionally, assigning foreign workers to tasks other than those specified in their employment agreements, except where such tasks fall within the scope of the original agreement, is also considered an act of negligence.
The bill also details the measures to be taken in instances of negligence. These measures include publicising the details of employers who neglect foreign workers after bringing them to the Maldives. Employers found to be negligent will be fined MVR 50,000 for each instance of negligence.
The bill also allows for the suspension of services provided to employers under the Act concerning foreign workers for a specified period. Employers who repeatedly commit acts of violence will also be fined, with the details to be specified in regulations under the law.
Additionally, the Ministry has the authority to impose fines of up to MVR 100,000 on employers who violate the law.
New Employment Act Amendment Allows Ministries to Review Work Permits Every 18 Months
The Parliament also has approved an amendment to the Employment Act, granting relevant ministries the authority to review work permits for immigrants every 18 months.
The amendment, proposed by Parliamentarian Mohamed Dawood, was passed after thorough examination by the Parliament’s Committee on National Security. The bill received 65 votes in favour and 10 against.
Under the current Act, a quota fee of USD129.7 is paid to the administrative office designated by the relevant ministry, in addition to a monthly work permit fee of USD22.7.
The new amendment allows ministries to review both the work permit and quota fees every 18 months. It stipulates that any new fees resulting from this review must not exceed 30% of the existing fees. The amendment also includes a special procedure that must be followed if a reduction in fees is proposed.
