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President pledges two-day weekend for tourism workers

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to allow a two-day weekend for employees in the tourism industry.

At a campaign event in Male' City, President Solih highlighted the importance of tourism workers for the economy and noted how the implementation of the minimum wage has increased their well-being. He also said that he would establish a tourism advisory committee for better representation in the industry.

Additionally, President Solih said that tourism workers wish to reduce their 48hr workweek to 40 hours. As such, he pledged to reduce their work hours and allow a two-day weekend for tourism workers. He vowed to hold discussions with resort owners to allow employers and employees to come to an agreement.

Furthermore, President Solih promised to prioritise the development of human resources to replace foreign workers with Maldivians in the tourism industry, especially for high ranking positions. In this regard, he said that his administration will facilitate scholarships for higher education opportunities, which will include a special scholarship scheme to train resort general managers.