Transport Minister Expresses Concern Over Pilot Job Market

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, has raised alarms about the increasing number of unemployed individuals who have studied piloting in Maldives, stating that this issue could potentially become a national concern in the near future.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Minister Ameen expressed his worry regarding the growing disparity between the number of scholarships awarded and the rising unemployment rates within the field of aviation in Maldives.

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Under the previous government’s higher education and training scholarship/loan initiative, 479 individuals were granted the opportunity to pursue pilot studies licenses. Minister Ameen highlighted that this surge in pilot training could pose a significant challenge to the nation in the coming years.

Providing statistics on the issue, the Minister disclosed that over 400 opportunities for pilot training were provided under the last year’s scholarship scheme. However, the current scenario indicates that 65-70 pilot graduates are currently without employment, with an additional 200 students currently pursuing pilot licenses.

On average, the aviation sector creates approximately 30 jobs annually, leading Minister Ameen to voice concerns about the insufficient job opportunities compared to the growing number of students entering the field.

Minister Ameen stressed the importance of directing scholarship schemes towards those who genuinely need them or are willing to study within the country. He emphasised the crucial role of cadet pilots and highlighted that only Maldivian and TMA employ them in Maldives.

Minister Ameen advocated for prioritising job opportunities for local graduates and cautioned against opening scholarship opportunities without careful consideration, stating that it could be detrimental in the future.

Promising to address the issue, Minister Ameen mentioned his intention to discuss potential solutions with the Higher Education Minister, urging affected students to consider changing their field through opportunities in higher education.