Vice President Faisal Naseem has held discussions this morning regarding easing the issues faced by civil service employees in the Maldives. The meeting was held this morning at the President's Office and was attended by members of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives.

Among the many topics discussed was the occasional health emergencies faced by civil service staff and their families. Often such emergencies require employees to take an absence from work. The possibility of increasing paid leave in such scenarios, which would allow employees to attend to their medical needs with more comfort and ease of mind, was a proposal considered during the meeting. The Vice President and Civil Service Commission members also discussed ways to better accommodate civil service employees with serious medical conditions, such as Thalassaemia patients or persons with disabilities, who require extra support, to ensure that they are not alienated or discriminated against. Providing the best possible work atmosphere for all civil service staff without any bias or discrimination is one of this Administration's major priorities.

Vice President Faisal Naseem and the members of the Civil Services Commission also discussed broadly on decentralised administration, noting that the councils would rely on the support of the Civil Services Commission and employees as they assume their new duties. They further discussed improving training opportunities and monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, they highlighted the serious issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and how to improve the safeguards in place to protect employees from such crimes.

The Commission shared details of the ongoing activities to provide support to the councils. They also detailed progress relevant to increasing the efficiency and quality of services provided by the Commission.

The Vice President was joined at the meeting by the Minister of Education, Dr Aishath Ali, Minister at the President's Office, Ahmed Sameer, and Special Advisor on Social Policy at the President's Office, Dr Mustafa Lutfy.