Employment Act amended to expand worker benefits and revise expatriate quota rules

The amendment further allows the Cabinet to exempt certain Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from paying expatriate worker quota fees.

Mohamed Hilmy

15 March 2026, 06:22

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Ninth Amendment to the Employment Act, introducing new provisions on childcare leave, expatriate worker quota fees and labour rights.

The amendment was passed by the People’s Majlis at the fifth sitting of its first session for 2026 held on 8 March.

The primary objective of the amendment is to strengthen procedures related to termination of employment and review quota fees legally mandated for recruiting expatriate workers. It also sets criteria for exempting certain parties from these fees while addressing implementation challenges and protecting the rights of both employers and employees.

One of the key changes allows employees to take time off for childcare from the date they return from maternity leave until their child reaches two years of age.

The amendment further allows the Cabinet to exempt certain Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from paying expatriate worker quota fees.

In addition, International Labour Day has been designated as an official public holiday.

The amendment has come into force following its ratification by the President and publication in the Government Gazette.

Employment Act amended to expand worker benefits and revise expatriate quota rules

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