The number of civil servants has reached 34,000, with salary expenditures rising to MVR 511 million, according to recent government data.
The increase reflects both new recruitment and expansions in existing departments. Wage costs have grown steadily as the public sector remains one of the largest employers in the country.
Finance officials have noted that the wage bill forms a significant portion of recurrent expenditure. Efforts to manage the size of the civil service have been discussed in past budgets, yet overall numbers have continued to edge upward.
The figures cover core civil service posts and exclude certain state-owned enterprise staff and military personnel. Detailed breakdowns by ministry and atoll are expected in forthcoming statistical releases.
Public sector employment remains a central feature of the Maldivian labour market, particularly outside the tourism sector. The latest totals will inform ongoing discussions about fiscal sustainability and service delivery.
