President says gov't working to secure jobs for 500 persons with disabilities

The government is working towards a target of providing employment opportunities to 500 persons with disabilities, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

Speaking during his tenth press briefing of the year on Monday, President Muizzu was asked whether employees with disabilities were also being affected by efforts to reduce staffing levels at state-owned enterprises.

The question stemmed from the Finance Ministry's April 18 directive ordering state-owned enterprises to reduce their workforce by 33 percent as part of broader measures aimed at cutting expenditure and strengthening financial management.

Responding to the question, the President stressed that it is not government policy for persons with disabilities to lose employment as a result of efforts to right-size state-owned companies. He added that if such cases have occurred, they ought to be rectified.

President Dr @MMuizzu meets with the media for the tenth press briefing of the year, sharing key updates on Administration initiatives and engaging with media on issues of national importance. The President outlined details of four key bills submitted to the People’s Majlis to advance public and national interests.

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 9, 2026

“Instead, the government is striving to ensure that more people from this community find gainful employment. We are presently working towards a target of employing 500 persons with disabilities through government offices and state-owned enterprises,” the President said.

President Muizzu further explained that the administration is pursuing policies aimed at creating sustainable income opportunities for persons with disabilities. He acknowledged that individuals with disabilities continue to face various forms of discrimination, but said the government is endeavouring to expand both employment opportunities and financial assistance for the community.

He said the administration's objective is not merely to provide assistance, but to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded meaningful opportunities to earn a livelihood and participate more fully in society.