TMA reinstates full dollar salaries after staff concerns

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has reversed its decision to restructure employee salaries, confirming that salaries will continue to be paid fully in United States dollars.

A letter issued by Chief Executive Officer A.U.M. Fawzy stated that the company would return to its previous salary structure, reversing a temporary policy that had introduced an 80 percent payment in dollars and 20 percent in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). The earlier adjustment had been made following the enactment of the Foreign Currency Act.

The revised policy had raised concern among employees, particularly flight crew, who met privately at the Waters Edge Rooftop in Hulhumalé earlier this week to discuss the potential financial impact of the currency change. While no formal protest was organised, discussions at the meeting indicated growing concern about future shifts toward MVR-based compensation.

The salary split was initially implemented in response to the Foreign Currency Act, which requires tourism sector operators to convert a portion of their foreign currency earnings through the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). This regulation has affected access to dollar reserves for companies operating in the tourism sector, including TMA.

TMA plays a significant role in the Maldives tourism industry by providing transfer services for tourists between the capital and resorts. Stability among its workforce is considered important for ensuring uninterrupted operations.