Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services has allowed minors to participate in some types of work under supervision. The change in policy was made following the amendment made to the regulations formed under the Child Rights Protection Act.
The amendment formed by the ministry lists the types of work that children over the age of 16 can participate in. As such, children under supervision can participate in some types of construction work such as bricklaying and handling cement, work at garages, carpenter workshops, warehouses, as well as be involved in mechanised fishing at sea for no more than two weeks.
Children under supervision can also participate in technical and physical work at ports, as well as food processing and animal husbandry. Children can participate in such work after an agreement is made between the guardian and the employer, which will be tasked with designating a supervisor and monitoring their work.
The amendment also lists the work that children cannot participate in. They include work involving dangerous chemicals, fuel, cigarettes and e-cigarettes. They are also not allowed to operate heavy machinery at ports, and any type of work other than bricklaying and handling cement at construction sites. The ministry will not allow exceptions for training purposes or to allow children to be involved in a family business.