Gov to introduce taxi drivers' register

Taxi-driving has been made official and a drivers' register has been compiled.

President Mohammed Muizzu has made a presidential promise to create a register of taxi drivers and provide flats to drivers through the social housing system.

President’s Office Minister Abdullah Nazim told a press conference on Tuesday that taxiing is not an official job (profession) and some of the needs of the workers are not met.

"Some jobs such as fishing and taxiing has not yet taken the form of a permanent, formal income generating activity for the people. It is well known that some of their very important essential needs are not met as a result," he said.

"Applying for loans and submitting income details to institutions if required. To resolve such difficulties, taxi drivers should be registered in the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation as part of their efforts to become official income earners."

Nazim said a digital payment system would be established in the register and banks would be consulted to abolish fees charged under such a system.

In addition, Nazim said that taxi services are widely available in developed countries and it is an essential service for the general public.

"... The Ministry of Transport has been asked to prepare and submit a detailed paper so that the service can be developed as should be in a civilised society. We have also decided to fast-track the process by 2024," he said.

The cabinet has also decided to take necessary steps to make the taxis required for the city environmentally friendly as Rasmale is being developed as an eco city.

"The President has also asked all stakeholders, especially taxi drivers, to be properly consulted during these discussions to ensure that no one's rights are violated," he said.

In addition, a system will be established to introduce environmentally friendly taxis and the investments will be made by a government company or companies, he said.