Gov't to tackle unemployment barriers faced by people with disabilities

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a national program will be launched next year to increase the inclusion of people with special needs in Maldivian society.

A participant with special needs who joined the Rayyithunge Adu program, broadcast every Thursday by state media PSM, said the center for people with special needs is limited in space and that only a few such centers exist in the atolls. He also highlighted the difficulty and barriers faced by people with special needs who have higher education when seeking employment, noting that some workplaces do not hire them at all.

“I went to many places for interviews and internships, like MACL, but after the interviews they did not give any answer and I did not get internship opportunities,” he said.

The President said he gives priority to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. He assured that a solution will be found in the coming days to address unemployment among people with special needs.

President Dr @MMuizzu continues direct engagement with the public through the 'Rayyithunge Adu' initiative, holding in-depth consultations with citizens. Episode 11, featuring key highlights from the discussions, is now available for viewing on all official channels. https://t.co/mSlS5CI7Hg

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 29, 2026

“Already, I have asked all MPs and I have also asked ministers to ensure that opportunities for people with disabilities are made available to the best of their ability and that a conducive environment is applied,” he said.

The President said the government has decided to launch a major national project next year to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. The project aims to ensure easy access to all services for people with special needs.

According to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), MVR 59 million was provided to people with special needs in September last year. Statistics show that 15,885 people are currently registered as persons with disabilities, including 263 new registrations last month.