Maldives allows judicial employees to wear niqab under revised regulations
New amendment allows women in judiciary to cover their faces, with safeguards for identification, after past employment disputes sparked criticism
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has revised its judicial employee regulations to allow women working in courts and related institutions to wear the niqab, marking a significant change in workplace dress code rules that previously restricted the practice.
According to a circular issued by the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA), Article 129 of the Judicial Employees Regulations has been amended to remove barriers for women choosing to cover their faces while working. Courts and judicial agencies have been directed to comply with the new provision from Sunday onwards.
Independent outlet reports noted that under the previous rule, employees were required to be identifiable at all times, which effectively barred the use of face coverings in the judiciary.
The amended regulation now permits women to wear the niqab without consequence, though it specifies that if identification is required, the individual must briefly reveal her face either to the court or to a female employee of the institution.
The change follows a series of controversies in recent years over employment discrimination against women wearing the niqab. Last year, a candidate for the position of administrative officer at the Magistrate’s Court in Dh. Hulhudheli said she was denied the role because of her attire.
Her account, posted on social media, prompted widespread debate and a response from President Mohamed Muizzu, who defended the right of women to wear the niqab and said employment should not be denied on the basis of dress.
Previously, school teachers in the Maldives were also prohibited from wearing the niqab, but that rule was overturned following public dissatisfaction.
Observers say the latest judicial sector reform reflects a broader trend of accommodating religious attire in professional settings after repeated pushback from communities and employees.
Officials at the DJA said the update is part of an ongoing effort to modernize regulations while balancing workplace requirements with individual rights. For many Maldivian women seeking careers in the judicial sector, the new provision removes what was seen as one of the biggest obstacles to employment.
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