The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has introduced expanded leave benefits for family medical emergencies and new provisions on employment termination under the thirteenth amendment to the Civil Service Regulations.

The changes came into effect on Monday, marking a significant reform in the Maldives’ public sector employment framework.

Under the amendment, civil servants are now entitled to up to 30 days of paid leave annually to care for family members receiving treatment for chronic illnesses or undergoing bone marrow or organ donation.

The leave will be granted with full basic salary, defined as the remuneration for the employee’s designated post.

Eligibility extends to a defined circle of family members, including parents, spouse, children, full siblings, half-siblings (maternal or paternal), and individuals for whom the employee has a legal duty of care.

To access the entitlement, employees must submit a medical certificate detailing the illness and expected treatment duration.

Certificates must be issued either by a healthcare professional registered with the Ministry of Health or by a practitioner affiliated with a recognised foreign medical institution.

Final approval will be determined by the CSC in line with procedural requirements.

The amendment also introduces provisions for termination of employment on medical grounds.

Civil servants may be dismissed if formally deemed permanently or for an extended period unable to perform their duties.

Such determinations must be supported by an official medical certificate issued by a registered healthcare professional and stamped by the relevant institution.

The reforms are aimed at strengthening support mechanisms for employees facing family medical crises, while also clarifying procedures for handling long-term incapacity within the civil service.