1/3 of govt employees to work remotely by 2028 under digitalisation plan

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that one-third of government employees will begin working from home by 2028 as part of the government’s digital transformation initiative.

The announcement was made during the official launch of the "Maldives 2.0" project Friday night. The project aims to digitise public services nationwide and introduce technology-driven governance systems. Key components of the initiative include the rollout of digital identity cards and the integration of all public services under a unified digital framework. Ministries, councils and other government agencies are to deliver services online in accordance with new legal provisions.

Addressing the audience following the project’s inauguration, the President outlined that this transition would significantly change the way government services are delivered and staffed.

According to the President:

He added that certain categories of workers, including those in the health and education sectors, will continue to be required on-site.

The President cited several expected outcomes of the remote work model:

He stated that the transition would not affect the quality of public services, which he expects to improve as a result of these changes. “The rights of the people will be upheld more effectively through efficient services,” he said.

President Muizzu also noted that meeting the 2028 target would require consistent commitment from all involved parties. He acknowledged potential resistance to the changes, attributing it to long-standing routines in public institutions.

“Digitising services fully and departing from existing office-based systems will be challenging for those accustomed to the current ways of working,” he said. “However, training will support the transition, and people should not be criticised for struggling with change.”

He urged government employees and institutions to embrace the project collectively, stating that “Maldives 2.0” is a national initiative requiring cooperation across all sectors.

The government is implementing the digitalisation programme in partnership with Estonia. President Muizzu previously visited Estonia to observe its e-governance infrastructure, which is among the most developed globally.