Minister Ali Ihusaan Pledges End to Expatriate Worker Exploitation in Maldives

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Skills Development, Ali Ihusaan, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating the exploitation of expatriate workers and establishing a more equitable employment landscape across the Maldives. Speaking exclusively to PSM News during a large-scale Workers’ Day march in Malé, Minister Ihusaan emphasized that the administration is prioritizing the safety, security, and fundamental rights of both local and foreign employees. He noted that current government policies are specifically designed to identify systemic issues long advocated by workers and implement comprehensive solutions to resolve them. "The government is working hard to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers in the Maldives," the Minister explained. "At the same time, ensuring a better working environment for the people of the Maldives is also an important objective." Beyond protecting foreign labor, the Minister outlined immediate goals to expand opportunities for Maldivians within the domestic workforce. He stressed the importance of swiftly addressing the practical difficulties faced by all employees to ensure a balanced and fair labor market. Workers’ Day serves as a critical reminder of the immense contributions laborers make toward the nation's economic and physical development. The special march, organized by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Skills Development, brought together a diverse cross-section of workers from various sectors to celebrate their collective role in building the country. By focusing on legislative and policy reforms, the administration aims to shift the labor culture toward one of solidarity and fairness, ensuring that the Maldives remains a safe and attractive destination for global talent while safeguarding the interests of its own citizens.