Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi said that the security at Maldivian airports has been strengthened following the recruitment of 220 more employees. She made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held at the Maldives Customs Service Building to promote the employees of the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM).
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mariya said the service faced various challenges due to the suspension of the promotion of AVSECOM employees from 2013-2018. She said that some senior employees have also lost their seniority, which has adversely affected the morale and motivation of the employees. However, she said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's intention was to address such challenges faced by employees in various sectors of the government despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also said 180 employees from AVSECOM have been promoted.
Furthermore, Minister Mariya said the Aviation Security Command is responsible for the security of all civilian airports in the country. She said AVSECOM already provides security to 18 airports in different parts of the country, including five international airports. Therefore, she said AVSECOM is an important partner in ensuring the safety and security of air transport in the Maldives and the critical infrastructures established to provide these services.
In conclusion, Minister Mariya urged every employee working in AVSECOM to be very vigilant and cautious in their responsibilities. She also stressed the importance of respectfully fulfilling their responsibilities, whether it is luggage screening, access control, or teaching and training.