Civil service dress code amended to set ankle-length requirement for female staff

The Civil Service rules have been amended to formally include Maldivian traditional attire and long dresses as part of the official dress code for female government employees, while also setting minimum length requirements for such clothing.

Under the amendment, which adds further detail to the article governing standards of dress for civil servants, female employees are required to wear dresses or long dresses that reach at least the ankles. The rules state that office attire must be made from fabric suitable for a professional working environment.

The amended rules specify that shirts and suit jackets must extend to no less than two inches below the base of the neck. For shirt-style dresses, pleats along the edges and front must be arranged so that no part of the body is visible between the lower hem of the dress and the upper thigh. Any pleats at the back or bottom must meet the same requirement.

All dresses must have necklines that fully cover the chest in accordance with accepted social standards. Sleeveless dresses must cover the shoulder blade and waist area, while long-sleeved dresses must not extend beyond the wrist.

Decorative jewellery and makeup are permitted. However, hair colouring or shading is not allowed, except for darkening the hair.

The amendment also outlines dress requirements for male employees. Men may wear long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, including office-style bus shirts. Long sleeves must reach the wrist, while short sleeves must not end more than two inches above the wrist. Trousers must be long.

The rules further state that shirts worn outside the trousers, other than office-style bus shirts, must be folded down in a manner that does not fully cover the waistband. Male employees are prohibited from wearing jewellery, except for a ring, and from using visible makeup.

The revision of the dress code follows public complaints raised during recent meetings held by Mohamed Muizzu, who said that the attire of some government employees did not meet accepted social standards. The President has said the dress code would be reviewed in response to these concerns.