After public outcry, bill regarding employee sick leave is to be amended

An amendment proposed to the Employment Act of the Maldives where employees are will have to submit medical certificates if they apply for a single day of sick leave would be amended during the Committee stage of the bill, MP for Kendhikulhudhoo Ahmed Easa has said.

The amendment that has seen a massive public outcry over the issue where employees will have to present medical certificates even if they undertake a single day of sick leave, was initially proposed by MP Easa as well.

MP Easa said that during the Committee stage of the bill, it would be amended so that employees are entitled to 15 days of sick leave per year without submitting a medical certificate. 

Under the current Employment Act, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave. Employers have the discretion to withhold sick leaves of more than two consecutive days if the employees do not produce a medical certificate.

What is the amendment proposed to the Employment Act?

"Employers are not entitled to provide sick leaves to employees if the employee does not produce a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner that stipulates the type of illness, and the duration of leave that is recommended to be taken." is what is proposed to the Employment Act. 

The proposal which was supported by some MPs in the Parliament received a massive backlash among the public. MP Easa soon responded on Twitter by saying that the bill would be amended during the Committee stages.  He said that the MDP PG Group had held discussions regarding the matter.

It was decided to amend the bill so that employees will be entitled to 15 days of paid sick leave without a medical certificate in addition to 15 days of paid sick leave with a medical certificate, said MP Easa.

Many in the public stated regarding the amendment that not every medical issue was required a medical certificate. Issues such as menstruation and psychological issues were not usually issued an MC, noted many of the public. Others also accused the MPs of working for the benefits of the employers rather than the common citizen. Some even pointed out the danger of a possible black market for MCs in the country due to the move.