The government has amended Civil Service regulations to tighten dress, grooming, and appearance standards for public servants.
The revised rules ban hair colouring and shading, allowing only black hair for civil servants. The changes apply to both recruitment and workplace conduct.
Female employees must wear long dresses or Maldivian attire that extend below the knee. Jackets must be worn with office-appropriate trousers or skirts. Clothing must cover the neck, shoulders, waist, and back, and should not reveal any part of the body when arms are raised. Makeup and jewellery remain permitted.
For male employees, shirts must have sleeves and be suitable for office wear when used outdoors. Shirts must be worn properly and not expose the body. Men are prohibited from wearing jewellery, except for rings and watches.
The amendment was approved by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu following public complaints about civil servants acting against social norms.
