A bill to amend the Employment Act has been accepted by Parliament and sent to the Committee on National Development and Heritage for further review.

The amendment was submitted on behalf of the government by Mohamed Shameez, a PNC MP for Madaveli.

One of the key changes would allow small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to receive exemptions or reductions on quota fees required to hire expatriate workers. The proposed amendment to Article 65 states that the cabinet may decide which types of businesses can be exempted from paying these fees, after reviewing the provisions of the law. The cabinet will also determine which businesses must continue paying the quota fees.

The bill aims to promote SMEs, encourage new businesses, and increase competition in the market.

In addition, the amendment proposes extending the period during which employees are granted daily time off to care for their children after maternity leave. Currently, employees are entitled to two 30-minute unpaid breaks per day until their child turns one. The bill seeks to extend this benefit until the child reaches two years of age.

The proposed changes also revise dismissal notice requirements. While the current law requires two weeks’ notice for employees who have worked between six months and one year, the amendment would require at least two weeks’ notice for any employee who has worked for at least one week. However, employers and employees may mutually agree to a shorter or longer notice period.

Overall, the bill introduces measures aimed at strengthening SMEs while expanding protections for employees.