According to a recent announcement made by the Labour Relations Authority (LRA), employers in the country are required to pay their Muslim employees MVR3,000 as Ramadan benefits before the beginning of the holy month. The LRA emphasized that this provision is enshrined in the Employment Act, and it is mandatory for employers to comply with this regulation.
The LRA cited previous incidents where employers failed to provide timely and adequate Ramadan benefits to their employees, which caused significant financial hardship for many. To avoid such situations, the LRA has urged all employers to make the necessary arrangements to pay the Ramadan benefits to their Muslim employees on time this year.
The LRA has also issued a stern warning to employers who fail to comply with this regulation. It has vowed to investigate such incidents and take punitive action against those found to be in violation of the Employment Act. Therefore, it is essential for all employers to adhere to the law and ensure that their employees receive their due Ramadan benefits in a timely and appropriate manner.