Employment Act amended to allow childcare breaks for civil servants

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the ninth amendment to the Employment Act, introducing several changes to employment regulations.

The amendment was passed by Parliament during its sitting on the 8th of this month.

Under the amendment, civil servants returning to work after maternity leave are entitled to two 30-minute breaks per day for childcare until the child reaches the age of two. The breaks will be granted without any deduction from salary.

The amendment also introduces provisions related to the recruitment of foreign workers, including the possibility of exemptions or waivers from statutory quota fees in certain business sectors.

According to the government, the amendment aims to strengthen procedures governing the termination of employment contracts, review the quota fees required for employing foreign workers, and establish criteria for granting exemptions from such fees.

The changes also seek to address implementation challenges and maintain the rights of employers and employees.

The amendment sets out new rules for the termination of employment. Contracts may be terminated with two weeks’ notice if the employee has served for a period not exceeding one year.

Employers may also terminate contracts immediately by paying an amount equivalent to the salary and benefits the employee would have received during the notice period.

The amendment further authorises the Cabinet to exempt certain categories of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from paying quota fees required for the recruitment of foreign workers.

In addition, International Workers’ Day has been designated as a public holiday.

The amended Employment Act came into force following the President’s ratification on Sunday.