Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has outlined measures to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, including skills assessments, recruitment through companies and civil service offices, and workplace training.
The Minister detailed these efforts while responding to a question at the Ahaa Forum held last Sunday. She explained that the initiative fulfils a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to improve employment access for persons with disabilities.
As part of this commitment, the Government is assessing individuals' skills and abilities to identify suitable positions in companies and civil service offices. These efforts have provided employment opportunities to more than 400 people, the highest number recorded over the past decade.
However, more than 1,000 persons with disabilities are still seeking employment. The Government aims to secure jobs for 500 people annually but has provided employment to 60 so far this year.
To accelerate recruitment, Minister Geela explained that the Government has held discussions with the Civil Service Commission and decided to arrange positions in civil service offices according to their staffing needs. It is also working with companies to identify suitable roles, with the aim of enabling persons with disabilities to participate actively in the workforce.
These initiatives follow concerns raised by persons with disabilities and their families during meetings with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as part of his presidential election campaign.
In response, the Government has been providing employment opportunities alongside training to help individuals participate in the workplace. State-owned companies involved in these efforts include State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
The Government also continues to provide disability allowances to persons with disabilities who secure employment, without discontinuing their payments.
Alongside these measures, the Government is reviewing legislation protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and working to introduce several amendments.