Maldives guarantees disability benefits even after employment
Government says people with disabilities can work without losing state support as Maldives expands equal-pay public sector jobs nationwide
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives government has announced that people with disabilities will continue to receive state disability allowances even after securing employment, reinforcing a policy approach that separates social protection from workforce participation.
The assurance was given by Aishath Shiham, Minister of Social and Family Development, amid growing public discussion about whether disability benefits could be withdrawn once recipients enter paid work.
Speaking at a program broadcast by the President’s Office, Shiham said the disability allowance is protected by law and will remain in place regardless of income earned through employment. “The allowance will continue alongside salaries or other benefits,” she said, stressing that employment should not penalize people with disabilities.
The policy forms part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s broader commitment to expanding inclusive employment opportunities within the civil service and state-linked institutions. According to the minister, procedures have already been put in place across government agencies, local councils, and public-sector companies to facilitate recruitment.
More than 350 people with disabilities have already been employed through these government-backed initiatives, Shiham said, adding that the program will continue and expand further in the coming months.
Crucially, the government has also committed to pay parity, ensuring that employees with disabilities receive the same salaries as other workers in equivalent roles. Shiham said there would be no wage differentiation based on disability, allowing employees to contribute fully to household income and financial independence.
The approach reflects a shift away from welfare-only models toward rights-based inclusion, positioning employment as a pathway to dignity rather than a condition that replaces social support.
For a small island developing state with limited labor markets, the policy has drawn attention as an example of how governments can integrate accessibility, legal protection, and equal opportunity.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
