Gasim protests against proposed increment to expatriate worker fees

Maamigili MP and Jumhoori Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim has voiced out against the amendments submitted by the government seeking to increase fees for bringing in expatriate workers.

At present, the State charges a work permit fee of MVR 350, and an annual quota fee of MVR 2000.

The amendments proposed to the Employment Act by the government states that, in accordance with a regulation formed under this Act, these fee amounts must be reviewed every 18 months. The revised fee amount should not be an increment of more than 30 percent, according to the amendment.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the Parliament's 241 Committee, Gasim said that he did not believe the government should be given the opportunity to increase the MVR 2000 quota fee.

He said that if there is an allowance to increase fees through laws, then he had no doubt the government would immediately do so.

Gasim voiced concerns that should the expatriate fees be raised, it would cause loss to construction field companies and a rise in inflation. He cautioned that this would cause further damage to the economy.

"It should not be raised. MVR 2000 is sufficient. These people should not be given any chance to increase this," Gasim said.

Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan differed in his opinion, and spoke in favour of the government.

He maintains that the government would have conducted researches before proposing a 30 percent increase to the fees. Stating that the fees can be raised in three years, he said that even a 30 percent increase would be no more than an added MVR 700.

He said that if Parliament allows this change, the projected income for the State would also increase and asserted that the government should be given the authority to increase visa and quota fees.

"Six years on, the value of this MVR 2000 will be different. So [the government] should have the opportunity to increase [the fees]," Azaan stated.

Gasim was further displeased after this exchange, and retorted that having been elected on a ruling People's National Congress (PNC) ticket he may opt to defend the government, but asked him to bear in mind the oath he had taken as an MP.

Gasim declared that should a change such as this be allowed, the citizens may come out and overthrow the government.

"If something of this scale is done, the people may just come out and discard this government. This is why it is not right to do this. We are here to give sincere counsel to maintain this government," Gasim said.

With some members insisting that the government wishes for this change to be brought, Gasim repeatedly protested against such a change, going as far as to challenge the government.

"Should we tremble because you invoke the government? Who is it that is in the government? What do they know? What knowledge do they have, it's mostly made up of people who stay near a leader and advise them in ways that will bring the government to ruin. This is decidedly a wrong move," Gasim insisted.

Gasim concluded his comments stating that he would in no way support the proposed amendments. He stated that he did not wish to sit in in committee meetings if this work is to be continued, and saying so, walked out of the meeting.