Ahead of the upcoming local council elections, government-owned companies in the Maldives have hired a significant number of employees, raising concerns over political motivations.
According to the Privatization Board’s quarterly report, about 4,616 employees were recruited in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2024. The Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC), one of the largest loss-making state-owned companies, was among the employers.
Despite the surge in recruitment, the operations of these companies have not changed, prompting criticism that hiring is being used to secure votes. Officials from the RDC have also been accused of leveraging their leadership influence to employ large numbers of people as well.
The government’s budget had included plans to liquidate certain state-owned companies and reduce spending. However, the number of government companies has increased this year, with billions more allocated for recruitment than in the previous budget.
According to the Privatization Board’s quarterly report, about 4,616 employees were recruited in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2024. The Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC), one of the largest loss-making state-owned companies, was among the employers.
Despite the surge in recruitment, the operations of these companies have not changed, prompting criticism that hiring is being used to secure votes. Officials from the RDC have also been accused of leveraging their leadership influence to employ large numbers of people as well.
The government’s budget had included plans to liquidate certain state-owned companies and reduce spending. However, the number of government companies has increased this year, with billions more allocated for recruitment than in the previous budget.
