Councils barred from hiring new staff without LGA’s written approval

The Local Government Authority (LGA) has ordered all local councils across the Maldives against recruiting new employees without obtaining prior written approval from the authority.

In a letter sent to councils on Tuesday and signed by LGA’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal, the authority stated that the directive is a key measure being implemented in line with the state’s fiscal austerity policy.

Under the directive, councils are required to obtain written approval from the LGA before filling any newly created or vacant permanent positions funded through either the state budget or the councils’ own revenues.

The letter also stipulates that recruitment for contract and wage-based positions, including those intended to address temporary operational needs or support specific projects, requires prior approval from the authority.

The LGA further emphasized that councils must obtain written authorization before advertising vacancies for any paid positions, including contract, wage-based, consultancy, or other forms of employment intended to meet temporary requirements or facilitate specific projects.

Accordingly, all councils have been notified that, effective yesterday, no individual may be appointed to any council position without the express written approval of the LGA.

The government has introduced several structural changes to the decentralization framework, citing the need to reduce administrative costs. These measures include the dissolution of atoll councils and the establishment of dedicated atoll offices under the LGA. Amendments have also been made to the Decentralization Act to reduce the overall number of councilors.