Saeed: Every business has a national responsibility

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed has said that every local business has a national responsibility and obligation.

The minister made this remark at a ceremony held at Nasandhura Palace Hotel today, for the Maldives to sign the Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention.

Saeed highlighted that Maldives has a rich job market, and said that companies and parents have to agree on the importance of providing necessary training to school leavers and prepare them for employment, to ensure economic benefits.

He said that Maldivians are capable enough for jobs such as salespersons at restaurants and cafes, and stressed that every business has a national responsibility and obligation.

“No ecosystem is complete without national obligation. When we made this decision, we were aware of its impact on businesses and on the Maldivian community. The impact is positive. It will not cause losses. We estimate the creation of about 5,000 jobs as a result of this decision,” said Saeed.

Economic Ministry announced yesterday that it would not issue quota for employment of foreigners as salespersons at restaurants and cafes from 1 January 2015, and that employment of foreigners as salespersons at restaurants and cafes would be prohibited from 1 April 2015.