Attorney General Ahmed Usham is optimistic that the National Service Bill will pass during the new term of Parliament, as work on the legislation continues at the committee stage.
Speaking at the Ahaa Forum held tonight, Attorney General Usham said the National Service Bill had been submitted to Parliament to ensure the programme can continue sustainably, with work on the bill currently at the committee stage. He said the legislation would set out in detail how participants can access employment opportunities.
Attorney General Usham expressed confidence that work on the bill would begin during the upcoming parliamentary term.
Turning to employment opportunities, Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed said the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has provided employment to more than 300 participants who completed National Service. He said the Government is also working to secure employment through other Government institutions for participants who complete the training.
Minister Rasheed said efforts are made to find participants employment in the fields in which they wish to work after completing the programme. However, he acknowledged that employment may not always be available in their preferred fields and said participants would still have the option to take up other employment.
"Not every participant who completes the service wants employment. However, we will find opportunities for those who do," Minister Rasheed said.
Minister Rasheed further said the Government prioritises increasing the role of young people in safeguarding the Maldives. He said the Government aims to develop young people who will work to protect the nation while ensuring they receive a proper upbringing.
The Minister has previously said efforts to instil responsibility among young people through National Service have produced positive results. A total of 1,028 participants have received training through National Service within one year.