President Muizzu Orders Removal of Employment Barriers for Women Wearing Face Veils

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a directive to abolish regulations that disqualify individuals from employment based on their choice to wear a face veil, reinforcing his administration's stance on equality and religious freedom.

The president's order follows an incident where the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) disqualified a female candidate for wearing a face veil during the recruitment process. This action was in accordance with Section 129 of the Judicial Staff Rules, 2011, which mandates that employees should be identifiable at work, thus disallowing face veils.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, President Muizzu emphasized that clothing choices that align with Islamic principles should not influence hiring decisions. He stated that all existing rules and regulations that foster such discrimination must be revised to ensure they do not perpetuate inequality.

"It is necessary to change all rules and regulations that were established in the past to prevent this discrimination," President Muizzu said, highlighting his commitment to creating a fair and just society in every aspect.

The DJA's stance, as communicated in an email, indicated that the face veil presents an obstacle in verifying the identity of candidates, thereby hindering the recruitment process. However, the president’s directive signals a shift towards a more inclusive approach, ensuring that personal religious practices do not impede one's employment opportunities.

President Muizzu's call to action reflects his broader vision of a society where fairness and justice are paramount, urging authorities to swiftly implement these changes and eliminate discriminatory practices from the employment sector.