The Ministerial Cabinet of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu could be described as the most productive cabinet in recent history. The numbers certainly backs the claim, with more cabinet decisions made in 12 months than its predecessors.
These key policy decisions related to the betterment of society and the sustainable development of the country are already in motion.
Rehabilitation Centers in Three Regions
The President, on the recommendation of the Cabinet, decided on January 2 to establish a rehabilitation treatment centers in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll and Laamu Atoll and to authorise the operation of these legally mandated rehabilitation centers.
The President has decided to kick start a community-based rehabilitation program for drug users with the assistance of the relevant authorities in accordance with the laws and regulations and in line with Islamic principles.
Former Public Servants Return to Service
President Muizzu, upon his Cabinet's recommendation, has decided to formulate a special policy to facilitate the return of nurses and other health workers who have been out of service due to various reasons.
This initiative entails the facilitation of the return of nurses and other health professionals to the service based on available positions. This is facilitated via a specific programme allowing for a quick recruitment procedure as opposed to the general policy of offering employment to employees. The President further decided that people who desire to work fewer than eight hours a day will be able to do so within the established standards of the civil service by setting a salary based on their working hours.
The President additionally decided to assist individuals aged 55 and over or retired who are not registered in the registry set up to facilitate the recruitment of out-of-service healthcare workers who are qualified in terms of health, education, experience, skill, and availability of positions in the administrative structure.
Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone
In January last year, President Muizzu established a company named Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone under the advise of his Cabinet.
This company will engage in large-scale importation of goods from neighbouring countries and employ a re-export system to optimise profits. The company is a collaborative venture of five state-affiliated companies, namely the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), State Trading Organisation Public Limited (STO), Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The Cabinet also decided that the company would approach the Board of Investment seeking permission to set up free trade zones.
Establishing free trade zones is a primary objective of the company's formation. The company will be responsible for enhancing trade activities and promoting economic diversification. This entails managing import, export, re-export, and processing activities, which are crucial for maintaining economic stability and security.
Build a Creative Economy
In the same month, the President after positive deliberations with his Cabinet announced the decision to form a creative economy in the Maldives.
Based on the Cabinet’s recommendation, the President’s decision entails the formation of a National Creative Economic Committee and a strategic plan to guide its vision.
The plan includes integrating creative skills into the school curriculum, launching an International Arts School faculty and a regional production house, and creating a fund to support entrepreneurs in the technical and innovative sectors. The fund, managed by the Business Centre Corporation (BCC), will provide financing and incubation services to those who contribute to the creative economy.
The creative economy also involves a national master plan outlining the infrastructure needed for future cities that incorporate innovation hubs and technology parks into their design.
Academic Calendar Shift
President Muizzu also made the decision on his pledge to move the commencement date of the Academic New Year to the beginning of the year.
Upon reviewing the proposal submitted to the Cabinet by the Ministry of Education regarding the shift of the Academic New Year to align with the calendar year, the President had decided against implementing abrupt changes to the academic workflow.
Instead, these changes will be gradually introduced over a two-year period, with several enhancements to the Academic calendar.
As a result, the academic year-end holidays for 2025 will align with December, and the New Academic Year for 2026 will commence in January. These modifications will allow for an annual three-week academic holiday in July and a four-week holiday in December.
Establishing a National Helpline
Following deliberations at the Cabinet on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Health, the President had decided to establish a round-the-clock national helpline to assist individuals coping with mental illnesses and to pursue a comprehensive ‘total solution’.
He instructed his ministers to refine the proposal for subsequent Cabinet discussions.
This ‘total solution’ by the President involves the integration of all national emergency hotlines, resulting in a unified national emergency hotline that provides all emergency services through a single dedicated contact number.
Under this decision, a 911 Hotline, as a single contact for all emergency services was inaugurated in November.
High-Quality Medication
Following the Cabinet's recommendations, President Muizzu decided to implement policies to ensure the availability of high-quality medicine in the Maldives in February.
During the Cabinet meeting, they discussed and decided to extend the 'bulk procurement' approach for obtaining essential pharmaceuticals. It was also decided that under the new system, the State Trading Organization (STO), the company tasked with providing essential medications without government interference, would ensure the continuous availability of these medicines from all healthcare hospitals, centres, and pharmacies established on all inhabited islands.
The President resolved to set up warehouses to store drugs meeting the system's mandated requirements, establish a central monitoring system using pioneering technology and update the research on the quantity and quality of the ingredients in medicines. The Cabinet additionally resolved to improve and expand human resources and increase the capacity to assure and maintain pharmaceutical quality.
Address the Issue of Undocumented Workers
The President, in July decided on important measures to address the issue of undocumented workers in Maldives, following recommendations from the Cabinet.
Following comprehensive discussions with the Cabinet on undocumented workers in the Maldives, measures were reviewed for expatriates across inhabited, resort, industrial, and agricultural islands. Steps include implementing 10 fingerprint scans and facial recognition for identification, alongside programs for regularization and Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) for those opting to return home voluntarily.
The Cabinet had also resolved to strengthen the enforcement system to address illegal immigration in the Maldives. This includes establishing and publicly disclosing a list of companies that neglect their responsibilities towards migrant workers upon arrival, enforcing penalties for employer non-compliance, and taking further action if these issues recur.
The Cabinet had also decided to conduct audits and pursue strict legal action against undocumented workers in the Maldives. This is intended to eliminate obstacles to employment opportunities for Maldivian youth, which are caused by the presence of undocumented workers.
Under this initiative, authorities have thus far repatriated over 5,000 undocumented workers from the country.
Masterplan to Address Tobacco Consumption
President Muizzu, following the Cabinet's recommendation, has decided to develop a comprehensive masterplan aimed at combating tobacco consumption in the Maldives. This masterplan will include additional measures alongside the enforcement of existing tobacco control laws and regulations, with the goal of achieving a permanent solution to tobacco use over the next four years.
The Cabinet’s recommendation emphasises the masterplan’s focus on promoting a smoke-free society. Key initiatives include empowering social workers, introducing incentives for non-smoking islands, and providing financial support for social activities on these recognized islands.
Additionally, the President has instructed relevant authorities to ensure the availability of free smoking cessation programs at all health centres for individuals seeking assistance.