Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Family Rights & Benefits
Maternity, parental leave and child benefits in Maldives.
Family rights in the Maldives are governed by a combination of the Employment Act (Law No. 2/2008) and Islamic family law (Shariah). For foreign workers, statutory employment provisions apply, but cultural and religious norms heavily influence practice. Expat families face unique challenges: limited family-friendly services, restricted social activities, and the logistical challenges of the island geography. Foreign spouses and children can reside on dependent visas but may not work without separate Employment Approval.
Maternity Leave (Employment Act, Law No. 2/2008)
Before birth: 30 days before the expected date of delivery (included in the 60-day total entitlement)
After birth: 30 days after delivery — total statutory entitlement: 60 days (30 pre-natal + 30 post-natal). Full pay during the 60 days if the employee has been employed with the same employer for at least 1 year. An additional 28 days unpaid leave can be granted if the mother or baby is medically unable to return after the 60 days — requires medical certificate. A further 1-year unpaid parental leave extension is available to either parent after the statutory paid period — job-protected but unpaid.
Job protection: Legally protected from dismissal during maternity leave and for 6 months after return to work. Employer must maintain the same or equivalent position on return. The 60-day entitlement is a minimum — some international resort employers and NGOs offer enhanced leave of 90–120 days contractually.
Paternity Leave / Unpaid Parental Leave (Employment Act)
Max duration: 3 days paid paternity leave for fathers (Employment Act minimum). Some international employers voluntarily extend to 7–14 days. Additionally, either parent may take up to 1 year of unpaid parental leave after the paid maternity period — this is a statutory job-protected entitlement.
Split rules / Elterngeld: The 1-year unpaid parental leave can be used by either the mother or the father. No simultaneous leave for both parents. The parent taking unpaid parental leave must give advance notice to the employer. No shared paid parental leave scheme exists in the Maldives.
Benefits
Maternity Cash Allowance (Aasandha)
MVR 2,000 lump sum
Duration: One-time payment per birth
Eligibility: Maldivian citizens enrolled in Aasandha only. NOT available to foreign workers.
How to apply: Not applicable for foreign workers.
This Maldivian citizen benefit is not accessible to foreign workers.
Employer-Discretionary Family Support
Varies by employer
Duration: As per employment contract
Eligibility: Subject to individual employment contract terms
How to apply: Request from employer HR
Many international resort companies (Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons) offer enhanced maternity/paternity packages beyond legal minimums. Review your specific employment contract.
Nursing Break Entitlement (Employment Act)
Paid nursing breaks — no additional cash payment; salary is not reduced for taking breaks
Duration: Nursing breaks are typically provided for a period after return from maternity leave (duration and frequency set in the employment contract or by employer policy)
Eligibility: Returning mothers who are breastfeeding. The Employment Act supports nursing mothers returning to work. Confirm with your specific employer the exact nursing break provisions in your employment contract.
How to apply: Notify your employer of your intention to breastfeed on return from maternity leave. The employer must accommodate nursing breaks without salary reduction. If the workplace does not have a dedicated nursing room, discuss alternative arrangements with HR.
Nursing break entitlements are important for mothers returning to work in resort or hospitality settings in the Maldives, where the workplace may be on a remote island. Plan nursing/pumping arrangements in advance with your employer.
Sick child leave
No statutory sick child leave separate from the employee's own sick leave. Employees caring for sick children typically use personal sick leave days or annual leave. Some employers allow unpaid compassionate leave for family emergencies.
Birth registration
Births in the Maldives must be registered at the NCIT (National Centre for Information Technology) / Ministry of Home Affairs within 30 days. Foreign-born children of expat parents born in the Maldives receive a birth certificate from Maldivian authorities. You must also register the birth with your home country's embassy or consulate to obtain nationality documentation for your child.
Childcare rights
No statutory childcare subsidy for foreign workers. Private nurseries are the primary option for expat parents. On resort islands, childcare is typically not provided by the employer — childcare arrangements are a family responsibility. Some large resorts have "Kids Clubs" that may provide childcare during work shifts as an informal arrangement.
Family Rights
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