President: Layoffs from atoll councils were all jobs dissolved under civil service policy

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states that the move to dissolve atoll councils and replace them with Local Government Authority (LGA) offices did not result in a mass layoff, and that the few people who lost their jobs had held positions that were dissolved under civil service policy.

The remarks come amid concern over the loss of jobs due to the move.

At a press conference on Monday, President Muizzu was questioned regarding the measures taken by his administration to protect the people who lost their jobs with the change.

President Muizzu responded that the change did not result in a mass layoff, but that it was possible that people who held positions such as secretary general lost their jobs.

He said that the layoffs were triggered from civil service policy.

“I have been informed that positions such as PS [permanent secretary], SG or in-charge are all positions that are dissolved when institutions get dissolved,” he said.

President Muizzu said that the atoll offices now provide various services. He said that employees have been transferred to the offices, and are being paid the same salary as before.

He said that his administration is working to run the offices without any discrimination, and without downsizing the workforce.

President Muizzu added that even though atoll councils have been dissolved, the assets that the councils managed will continue to be retained by the residents of the respective atolls.

“For example, the atoll house… The atoll house is also the property of the respective atoll. It cannot be taken and handed over to someone else. Our Finance Ministry will do what is necessary to manage these properties. That is the money of the people of the atoll. And the revenue from atoll shops is also the money of the people of the respective atoll,” he said.

President Muizzu said that even though the councils have been dissolved, the provision of public services will continue.

President Muizzu had signed the constitutional amendment which saw the dissolution of atoll councils back on December 1, 2025. The councils were later converted into offices run by the LGA.

Back in May, President Muizzu provided assurance the offices would not have any political appointees.