Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended the Civil Service Regulations to enforce a significantly more rigid and detailed dress code for government employees.
While the changes apply to all staff, the new mandates specifically target female employees with highly restrictive requirements regarding clothing length, fit, and personal grooming.
Under the amended regulations, the length of dresses and tops for women is strictly measured; they must not be shorter than two inches above the knee. The rules also specify that all clothing, including trousers and jackets, must be made of "office-appropriate" fabric.
Furthermore, any slits in shirts or jackets must be designed to ensure that no part of the torso is visible when the employee raises her arms.
The regulation extends to necklines and sleeves, requiring that necklines completely cover the collarbone area. For short-sleeved attire, the sleeve must reach at least midway between the shoulder and the elbow, while long sleeves are prohibited from extending past the wrist. Traditional Maldivian dresses (Libaas) and other long dresses must now reach the ankles.
Beyond clothing, the commission has introduced new restrictions on personal appearance and grooming. While makeup and jewelry are permitted, hair styling is now strictly regulated. The amendment prohibits dyeing hair any color other than black; bold colors, highlights, and shaded effects are now officially banned for female civil servants.
Critics view these changes as a regressive move toward micro-managing the personal choices and professional appearance of female government workers.
