On this International Labour Day, in addition to Labour Unions, the government has also staged a May Day rally in capital Male' City. 

The government's May Day rally featured cabinet ministers, senior officials of SOEs, and staff from ministries and SOEs. 

At the rally, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan stated that local and expatriate workers are the backbone of Maldives' economy. 

Ihusan said that workers in Maldives have always been vocal about their rights, assuring that the government embraces this. 

"I have listened to what was said here in your rights, and I have read what's on those many placards and I accept them. God willing, this year the Industrial Relations Act will be ratified in Maldives for the first time," Ihusan said. 

He went on to assure that the Occupational Safety and Health Act would be fully implemented. 

"There were piles of cases at the Maldives' Labour Relations Authority, cases filed by workers and employers, when this government took office. Those are your rights, we will bring a fair and just resolution to these," Ihusan said. 

In an interview granted to State media PSM at the rally, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed said that today's rally was held as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu wished to show appreciation to workers. Saeed said that the President wishes to shape the country's policies in a manner that will bring resolutions to workers' concerns. 

"Then the question is, what has the government done? For example, there is a lot that the government has done. Our efforts to promote workers' rights are intertwined with all the economic industries in Maldives," Saeed said. 

Labour unions also held a demonstration in Male' today, where participants voiced their concerns related to workers' rights.