The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development has opened the opportunity for the inclusion of the Maldives in the provisional register of trade unions and employers' unions.
The minister emphasised the need for a provisional register to transition associations and organisations currently governed by the Associations Act to operate under the Industrial Relations Act as trade unions. As such, the ministry has initiated an online registration process for these entities currently active in the Maldives.
In accordance with the Industrial Relations Act, which was sanctioned by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, the registration of workers' trade unions and employers' unions will be conducted under the stipulations of the act once it takes effect.
The act not only facilitates the establishment of workers' associations but also ensures the promotion and protection of their participation rights in relevant activities. Furthermore, it delineates the parameters for the establishment and functioning of workers' trade unions and employers' unions. In addition, the act outlines procedures for dispute resolution between workers and employers and organises matters pertinent to trade unions.
Under the Regulations for the Registration of Unions, within three months of its enactment, previously registered workers' trade unions and employers' unions operating under different legislation must apply for registration to the Registrar of Unions.