The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Higher Education have signed an agreement to give licenses to individuals who receive a transport sector-related national certificate.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation AIshath Nahula and Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan. Under the agreement, individuals who receive a national certificate recognised by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) will be able to obtain a license to operate vehicles or vessels without needing to pass a further examination.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Hassan said that the agreement shows that all state institutions prioritise human resource development. He said the government is working with MNSDA and Maldives Polytechnic to certify professionals needed in various sectors.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Nahula noted the challenges in procuring vehicles for driving tests but expressed confidence that the agreements will resolve such issues.
As per the agreement, graduates of programmes held under the national competency standard in transport formulated by MNDSA will be able to obtain licenses without further examinations. The licenses will be given to graduates of National Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Operations, National Certificate III in Bus Operations, and National Certificate III in Boat Operations. The transport ministry is involved in formulating competency standards and establishing technical panels for vehicle and vessel courses.