Azim says employees’ incomes have fallen under new pay structure
Azim said many staff work long hours while serving a population of around 250,000 people.
Male’ Mayor Adam Azim said on Tuesday that the total income of many employees has fallen following the implementation of changes to the state salary structure, despite assurances from Mohamed Muizzu that no employee would experience a reduction in overall earnings.
The first salaries under the revised structure introduced by the Pay Commission were paid this month. Commenting on social media, the mayor said he had received reports indicating that the total income of a number of employees had decreased.
Azim said employees depend on their salaries to meet essential expenses, including rent, food, utility bills, education costs, loan repayments and other household needs. He noted that for families relying entirely on monthly income, a reduction in take-home pay without prior notice can create difficulties.
Referring to employees of the Male’ City Council and the wider civil service, Azim said many staff work long hours while serving a population of around 250,000 people. He said a reduction in salary income for such employees is not acceptable.
He called on the relevant authorities to review the salary structure and make changes to ensure that employees’ total income is maintained or increased. Azim added that the timing of the reductions, with Ramadan approaching, has added to public concern.
The Ministry of Finance has previously said that if any employee’s income is reduced as a result of migration to the state pay framework, a migration allowance will be paid in accordance with the “Standard for Payment of Migration Allowance” introduced by the Pay Commission.
According to the ministry, the revised pay framework is intended to replace systems in which state agencies relied heavily on overtime payments, encourage more efficient use of working hours, and support work–life balance while improving employee income over time.
