Finance Ministry: Overtime cap aims to prevent unjustified pay hikes

The Finance Ministry has announced that overtime pay for civil servants was capped at 10 percent of their salary, as part of a broader reform to the public sector pay framework.

The ministry said the cap is intended to prevent unjustified salary increases and ensure that civil service pay reflects the nature of the work. It also aims to promote a healthier work-life balance, improve service quality during official hours, and reduce inefficiencies caused by flexible scheduling in certain roles.

As part of the changes, civil servants who work on weekends and public holidays will now receive an attendance allowance.

The ministry assured that under the revised framework, all civil servants will receive a basic salary above the minimum wage. A special Migration Allowance will be provided to employees whose current salaries and allowances fall short of the new standards.

Salary adjustments took effect on Saturday for several roles across the business administration, education, health, and other civilian sectors. The Finance Ministry’s job matrix outlines the revised pay for administrative staff, fiscal analysts, accountants, Media Commission employees, and Aviation Command personnel.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the salaries of all civil servants who have not yet received an increase will be revised in November. He previously pledged to improve public sector wages this year, with MVR 500 million allocated in the national budget for this purpose.

The pay reform initiative was launched to ensure a fair and dignified wage for all public servants.