The regulations governing the dress code for Civil Service employees working in government offices have been amended.
Following numerous public complaints submitted to the government regarding the decline in the grooming standards of Civil Service employees, which were noted to be below established social norms, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to revise these standards. The President made this announcement during a meeting with the residents of Hulhumale’ Phase 1, stating that he had requested the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to reform the dress code.
The President noted that while a commendable standard for the Civil Service dress code had existed previously, significant changes were introduced to these regulations in 2014. He further stated that the CSC has been advised to reinstate and adhere to the earlier, more formal standards.
According to the 2014 regulations implemented by the CSC, employees were required to maintain a standard of dress during both official and unofficial hours that upheld the dignity and prestige of the office and the individual in the eyes of the public. This included being clean, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately. The regulations also mandated proper maintenance of hair and facial hair in accordance with Maldivian social and ethical values, ensuring that the attire did not hinder the performance of the employee’s specific duties.
In the amendment issued by the Civil Service Commission today, the relevant article regarding employee attire has been revised. The new regulations specify that male Civil Service employees must wear a shirt, trousers, tie, and office shoes during official working hours. The shirts may be long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or bush shirts. The amendment also details the manner in which shirts should be tucked in and restricts the wearing of jewelry to a single ring.
Regarding female Civil Service employees, the amendment stipulates that they must wear long dresses, traditional Maldivian attire (Libas), or professional office wear during official duties. The amendment also provides detailed guidelines on specific aspects of grooming and attire that require special attention.
Furthermore, Civil Service employees are now prohibited from dyeing their hair in conspicuous colors other than black, and practices such as shading or highlighting hair are also restricted.
The updated regulations also provide comprehensive details regarding the dress code for employees within the support services category of the Civil Service.
