Maldives ratifies Maritime Labour Convention

Mohamed Saeed, minister of Economic Development, has signed the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 on behalf of the Maldivian government.

The signing took place today at a ceremony at the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), held to mark World Maritime Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Saeed said that participation in the Maritime Labour Convention would help protect the rights of Maldivian seamen.

He stressed the importance of this convention in ensuring safe work environments, lodging, healthcare, and social security for seamen.

Saeed highlighted that the Maldives presently has about 400 people working on sea vessels, and the convention would encourage more youth to take up this profession.

He said that this is especially important at a time when the government is focusing on economic expansion, as it opens up the maritime sector and increases job opportunities.

He noted that the role of the maritime sector is significant in the mega projects that are in the pipeline, such as the efforts by the government to expand international shipping in the Maldives.

These efforts include the establishment of a transhipment port, an international ship register, and yacht marinas; and making Maldives more attractive to shipping companies, said Saeed.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State for Economic Development Abdul Latheef Mohamed highlighted the importance of the convention in protecting the rights of Maldivian seamen, and said that it will come into effect within one year.