Minister Warns of Growing Mismatch Between Education and Maldives Labour Market

The Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has warned that a persistent misalignment between academic qualifications and local market demand is hindering the Maldivian workforce. This gap leaves many graduates with degrees in fields where employment opportunities are virtually non-existent, while critical economic sectors face chronic staff shortages. Speaking at the official launch of the "My Career Portal," Minister Ihusaan noted that this systemic mismatch forces many qualified Maldivians to accept roles unrelated to their training simply to secure a living. This trend not only underutilizes the country's human capital but also stunts growth in high-need industries that lack a steady pipeline of skilled local talent. “People are getting educated and gaining skills in areas that simply do not match the jobs available,” Minister Ihusaan stated, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to vocational and higher education. To combat this issue, the government has introduced the My Career Portal. Developed by the National Career Service, the platform is designed to consolidate job-search functions, recruitment tools, and career-development resources into a single digital hub. While basic career guidance services existed previously, the Minister highlighted that the Maldives lacked a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for job seekers, employers, and professional counselors. The portal aims to bridge the gap by connecting these three groups directly. It will offer personalized counseling and allow users to track individual action plans for professional advancement, ensuring that training leads to viable employment. By streamlining access to vacancies and providing data-driven advisory services, the government intends to reduce the education-employment gap. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the domestic workforce and create a more efficient, user-friendly job market that aligns individual aspirations with the actual economic needs of the Maldives.