Parliament passes MVR 50,000 fine for anti-expat employers
The bill describes the circumstances in which foreigners may be considered to have been neglected and the measures to be taken in such circumstances.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Parliament on Monday passed an amendment to the Employment Act proposed by the government to impose a fine of MVR 50,000 on every employer found guilty of negligence after bringing in migrant workers.
The Security Services Committee, which examined the bill, introduced it in Parliament late last month. The bill was introduced by PNC MP Mohamed Dawoodh.
The bill was passed by 65 votes in favour. 10 members of the opposition MDP voted against.
Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim, who advocated against the amendments at the committee stage, was present at the time of the vote but did not participate in the vote.
While the bill was being considered in the committee, some members expressed concern over the high fines. However, the committee decided to pass the articles without further changes as proposed by the government.
The bill describes the circumstances in which foreigners may be considered to have been neglected and the measures to be taken in such circumstances.
Steps include:
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Publicising employer details, of those who neglect foreign workers after bringing them to Maldives
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A fine of MVR 50,000 on each negligent employee
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Suspension of services provided to employers in relation to foreign workers under the Act for a specified period, including fining the employer who commits repeated acts of violence; the details are to be explained by a rule made under the law
Acts of negligence are considered to be:
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1-
Not paying salaries
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2-
Failure to comply with the requirements of the rules made under the law in the basic services required by the employer
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3-
Exploitation of foreign workers during or after their arrival in Maldives or employment of them in violation of laws and regulations
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4-
Employing the expatriate in work other than the job the foreign worker was brought in for; however, other work performed within the scope of the employment agreement shall not be deemed to be the performance of another employment
The ministry has the power to impose a fine of not more than MVR 100,000 on an employer who violates the law.
