Concerns over pay harmonization will be addressed, details will be satisfactory: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that concerns regarding the new pay harmonization structure for civil servants and government employees will soon be clarified by the Pay Commission, adding that the details will be satisfactory once fully explained.

Speaking at a meeting with Fuvahmulah residents last night, the President said he would fulfill his pledge to increase salaries for all public servants within two years, as part of efforts to raise incomes and build a sustainable economy.

He acknowledged that some employees had expressed concerns about the recent salary adjustments, noting that these stemmed from a lack of clarity rather than dissatisfaction with the changes themselves.

“The Pay Commission will visit all offices in the coming days, whether in the civil service, judiciary or local councils to explain and clarify these matters,” the President said.

“You will be satisfied once these things become clear.”

The harmonized pay structure, implemented on November 1, brought salary increases to over 20,000 employees, including civil servants, council administrative staff, and judiciary workers.

President Muizzu said the reform would significantly raise basic salaries, with the minimum basic pay now set at MVR 7,000, ensuring all employees earn at least the national minimum wage as their base salary.

He added that the increase in basic pay would boost employees’ pension fund contributions, leading to larger retirement savings. The government also plans to amend pension laws to allow additional concessions and benefits.

“We are making changes to the law to fulfill the promises made,” he said.

“There will be more benefits to the pension fund than there are now.”

Addressing one of the main concerns among employees, President Muizzu announced that the 10 percent cap on overtime pay has been relaxed, a policy change that will apply across all sectors, including hospitals operating 24 hours a day.

“On specific days such as the last 10 days of Ramadan, public holidays, and other official holidays, the 10 percent cap will not apply,” he said

“Employees who work overtime during these times will be fully compensated, that is a big change.”