President says overtime pay concerns will be addressed under new pay framework

President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday announced that more than 20,000 employees, including those in the civil service and judiciary, will receive increased salaries under the new pay harmonisation framework introduced from 1 November.

Speaking during a visit to Fuvahmulah, President Muizzu said the government is aware of the concerns raised by employees regarding overtime pay and confirmed that the Pay Commission will resolve these issues before salaries are disbursed later this month.

The amendments to the national pay framework have been published in the Gazette. The President said employees whose salaries remain unchanged under the current phase of harmonisation will see their pay increased next year.

“This change will raise employee income levels with the goal of improving living standards and supporting savings,” President Muizzu said.

He noted that the most common concern raised by employees related to overtime limits. The government has now lifted the 10% cap on overtime for 24-hour services, including hospitals, and extended this relief to other sectors.

“For example, this exemption from the 10% overtime cap will apply to closures in the last 10 days of Ramadan, official holidays, and any closures announced by the President under the Employment Act,” he said.

The President explained that the Civil Service Rules outline when overtime can be applied and that exceptions will be clearly defined in the published standards. “The Pay Commission will take necessary measures to resolve remaining issues,” he added.

President Muizzu said the decision to harmonise pay was made following detailed study and consultation. Under the new framework:

He said the adjustment to the basic salary will also strengthen employees’ pension funds, leading to higher retirement benefits.

“The government is preparing to make the necessary legal changes to enhance the benefits available from the pension fund,” President Muizzu said.