Ministry of Education has revealed that the improved salary structure in the education sector will result in fewer foreign teachers at the start of the new academic year.
Speaking to PSM News, Permanent Secretary Ahmed Ali said that efforts are underway with agents to send offer letters and recruit teachers for various schools and that the work has indicated that the number of foreign teachers will be greatly reduced this year. He also said that the ministry has completed an evaluation of the staff and resources needed by the schools. He noted that over 600 Maldivians had worked as temporary relief teachers last year and that the improved salary structure has resulted in more of them being willing to become permanent teachers and more experienced former teachers wishing to return to the education sector.
Increasing the employment opportunities for Maldivians in the education sector is a high priority of the education ministry. However, the previously low salary structure resulted in fewer Maldivians working or remaining in the education sector, especially as teachers, leaving the jobs to be filled by foreign workers.
However, public concern over the issue ceased after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced a new and improved salary structure for the education sector, unveiling significant increments to the wages of teachers and other education sector staff in a televised address to the nation on May 1. Following the changes brought to the wage structure of the education sector, teachers with a diploma will receive a minimum salary of USD860, while those with a degree will receive USD1,300, and those with a master’s degree will receive USD1,400.